The Pleasure of Poetry: Reading and Enjoying British Poetry from Donne to Burns (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780275991371)

The poetry produced by the British poets of the 17th and 18th centuries is considered to be among the best ever written. But many general readers feel intimidated by the language or structure of the poetry, and so tend to shy away from enjoying these poets and their works. Nelson takes readers on a tour of the major works and figures of 17th- and 18th-century British poetry, explaining major themes, devices, styles, language, rhythm, sound, tone, imagery, form, and meaning. Beginning each chapter with a sketch of the poet's life and career, the author then looks at five or six representative works, helping readers understand and appreciate the beauty of poetry itself.

From Donne and Jonson, to Pope, Swift, and Burns, the book offers excerpts of the poetry these artists crafted, and carefully examines the various attributes that have helped to establish them as some of the greatest of all time. Writing in clear, accessible language, Nelson also introduces general poetry terms to the novice, providing examples and explanations where necessary. Readers will no longer feel intimidated by difficult poetry. Instead, they will walk away with the tools they need to read, understand, and appreciate these titans of British letters.

Author: Nicolas H. Nelson
ISBN-10: 0275991377
ISBN-13: 9780275991371
Publisher: Praeger
Language: English
Published: 07/01/2006
Pages: 280
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.31lbs
Size: 9.52h x 6.48w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 11/01/2006 pg. 297