Poetry lovers can get a sneak peek at a new anthology of poems today at The Curiosity Shop.

"Amazon says it's not out until March," said University of South Carolina Aiken professor Stephen Gardner, co-editor of the Southern Poetry Anthology, Volume 1: South Carolina, the first in a series of anthologies focusing on contemporary Southern poetry.

A poetry reading with seven of the authors featured in the book will begin at 3 p.m. today at the shop at 202 Richland Ave. W., Aiken.

The book showcases the work of 76 poets who have ties to South Carolina. Some were born in South Carolina while others just worked in the state, he said.

Three poems by Dr. Gardner and his co-editor, William Wright, are featured in the anthology, which has been about two years in the making. Mr. Wright is a former student of Dr. Gardner.

Poets who will read their works are Dr. Gardner, Starkey Flythe Jr., Farley Briggs, Joan Fishbein, Maurine Meleck, Robert Parham and Laurel Blossom.

The poetry reading is free, and copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Dr. Gardner said a second anthology will focus on the poetry of Appalachia, and a third will focus on Mississippi.

For more information, call (803) 644-0004.