"We don't attempt to have any theme for a number of the anthology, or to have any particular sequence. We just put in things that we like, and then we try to alternate the prose and the poetry"

James Laughlin’s approach to curating an anthology reveals a philosophy guided more by personal taste and a desire for literary diversity than by a strict editorial agenda. Rather than imposing a specific overarching theme or predetermined organizational sequence, he emphasizes the spontaneity and subjectivity of selection, the shaping influence of what resonates with the editor and, presumably, a sense of what might move or challenge the reader. Anthologies often strive to construct a sense of coherence, whether through thematic unity, chronology, or a declaration of purpose, but Laughlin pushes against this tendency, favoring eclecticism and serendipity.

By “just put[ting] in things that we like,” Laughlin draws attention to the individuality and intuition at the heart of curation. His method implies a trust in personal literary judgment, allowing the anthology’s flavor to emerge organically from a series of favored works, rather than from artificially imposed connections. This creates a unique reading experience, more akin to wandering through a gallery of unexpected works than reading through a tightly organized textbook. The decisions are guided not so much by logic as by affect and appreciation, inviting readers to discover for themselves the connections between pieces.

The deliberate alternation of prose and poetry introduces a subtle but important structure. Instead of content-based thematics, the variety arises from the shifting forms and rhythms of language. Alternating the modes prevents monotony, offering the reader a dynamic progression, where the density and narrative of prose encounter the compression and lyricism of poetry in succession. This method cultivates variety within cohesion, balancing the need for freshness with a reliable alternation in style. Through this process, Laughlin’s editorial practice becomes a celebration of literary form and personal engagement, cultivating an anthology that is less an argument or survey than a curated journey through divergent voices and artistic forms.