This volume focuses on the phenomenon of computer-generated poetry, exploring its unique characteristics in great detail. The study introduces informal definitions of artificial intelligence, poetic creativity, understanding, and meaning, while proposing criteria for comparing machine-generated text with traditional verse. An overview of the history of machine poetry in the 20th century is accompanied by cultural commentary that sheds light on its social and artistic contexts—including parallels and contrasts with the creative output of individuals with mental health conditions, as well as with the game of chess. The author explains the mechanics of modern neural networks, their capacity to replicate poetic form, and the relationship between their output and concepts such as literary parody and cosplay. Particular attention is given to addressing common questions—for instance, whether machines might one day replace human poets, and the legal status of copyright regarding computer-generated works.

This book is intended for anyone interested in the nature of poetic creativity and the evolution of artificial intelligence.