Here is the Cover For All This Beauty, a New Anthology of Florida Writing

A new literary anthology titled All This Beauty is set to be published in early March 2027 by the University Press of Florida. The book is edited by Kristen Arnett and P. Scott Cunningham, two established figures in contemporary literature. The anthology will feature a diverse collection of 66 writers, including poets, fiction writers, and essayists. Their works explore the many facets of Florida, from its Gulf Coast beaches and South Florida nightlife to its muscadine grapevines and college sports culture. The anthology aims to present a more nuanced and complex view of the state, moving beyond common stereotypes of Florida as merely 'weird' or 'wild.'

The anthology is edited by Kristen Arnett and P. Scott Cunningham, both well-known in literary circles. Arnett is an award-winning author, while Cunningham is a poet and founder of the O, Miami Poetry Festival. The book includes contributions from 66 writers, such as Yael Valencia Aldana, Derrick Austin, Frankie de la Cretaz, Patricia Engel, Dionne Irving, Amy Suzanne Parker, and Avni Vyas. These writers represent a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, contributing poems, short stories, and essays that reflect the diversity of Florida's cultural and natural landscapes.

All This Beauty seeks to showcase Florida’s complexity by highlighting its varied environments and communities. The anthology includes works that explore themes like nature, urban life, sports, and local traditions. For example, some pieces focus on the state’s ecological diversity, such as muscadine grapevines or Gulf beaches, while others delve into cultural experiences like South Florida nightlife or college gamedays. The editors and contributors aim to present Florida as a place with depth and richness, far beyond its popular image as a destination for tourism or retirement.

The anthology will be published by the University Press of Florida, an academic publisher specializing in works about the state and its culture. The book is scheduled for release in early March 2027. This marks a significant literary project for Florida, as it brings together a broad range of voices to capture the essence of the state in a single volume. The cover art for the anthology has been revealed, featuring an image that reflects the book’s themes of beauty and diversity.