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'Her introduction will come to be seen as the summary of the age. I haven't seen any description of where and who we are that's as clear, balanced and inspiring.' Jo Shapcott 'Many of us who like poetry but are ignorant about how a good poem is put together have learned to read unfamiliar poetry with greater understanding as a result of this weekly analysis. An Independent on Sunday reader
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
An Independent on Sunday reader
‘Many of us... have learned to read unfamiliar poetry with greater understanding as a result of this weekly analysis.'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
59 of 61 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although I do buy some modern poetry much of the stuff that gets published seems to be written for a tiny clique, and few (other than Wendy Cope and Carol Anne Duffy) are as immediately accesible as Philip Larkin. The Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, never gets a poem printed without a ton of derision from hacks, which doesn't help those who'd like to find out if anyone new is as good as the poets we read at school and university.
Ruth Padel's collection, taken from a weekly newspaper column in the Independent on Sunday is therefore a real thrill, whether you're a student trying to find out how to approach modern poetry or an interested but bewildered reader. She puts modern poetry into a literary and historical context, with a light, witty touch, and explores 52 poems line by line, with a bit about each poet as introduction. Her own metaphors in doing so are sometimes as good as anything in the poem - I loved her description of Peter Redgrove's "playful love poem" to The Visible Baby "offering its own bright images and spell-like repetitions like a coloured mobile."
Though not, I imagine, includsive of all good modern poets this is a terrific way in.
66 of 72 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
After 35 years since reading poetry for A levels I found it hard to get back into reading poetry, and modern poetry in particular. What were the "rules", what were the boundaries, what the hell was going on?
I found that this books interesting introductory essay, helpful and soothing (I wasn't as far off the mark as I thought I was).
I found that this books interesting introductory essay, helpful and soothing (I wasn't as far off the mark as I thought I was).
However it was Ms Padel's analysis of the poems along with a brief biography of each poet that I found most helpful and easily applicable to other poems.
Most importantly, I found myself as a male, reading female poets with enjoyment and interest instead of my usual defensive, faint bewilderment.
Highly recommended for the nervous and bewildered.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A most enjoyable collection, each poem analysed extensively by Ruth Padel as part of her series of poetry articles in The Independent newspaper. I found that my understanding of most of the poems here was enriched enormously by Ruth Padel's analysis, though the format did pall a little towards the end. Some poems I felt were slightly unworthy of such depth of discussion, but these were in the minority. In the main, the selection is marvellously eclectic, with a welcome emphasis on equity between women's and men's poetry.
In a fascinating introduction, Ruth Padel discusses issues of bias towards the poetry written by men. She also lays to rest the idea that women's poetry deals with the concrete, domestic inward life, while men bestride the public world - which receives more poetic acclaim. It is pitiable to realise such a defence is still required.
In a fascinating introduction, Ruth Padel discusses issues of bias towards the poetry written by men. She also lays to rest the idea that women's poetry deals with the concrete, domestic inward life, while men bestride the public world - which receives more poetic acclaim. It is pitiable to realise such a defence is still required.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Poetry
This book is essential reading for anyone interested in writing technically perfect poetry. It helps to produce a commentary for those doing writing poetry courses. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Dr Alan Hearsum
Covert Feminism
The book starts out with a great intro chapter to poetry, but gradually descends into a rant about male poems, their ventriloquising of women, and the 'rebarbative' (not an... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Olly
A great intro to modern poetry
I get the feeling that Ruth Padel is close to orgasmic every time the sonic make-up of a poem is in tune. And this is possibly the only slight turn off. Read more
Published 14 months ago by x iLeon
Good critique, terrible paper
I wish I had the time and/or energy to complain about this book to the publisher. The paper is so poor that I can barely read it. It feels horrible! Read more
Published 18 months ago by Mrs. Elizabeth M. A. Bolton
ruth padel is a genius
If you are interested in peotry and either already take an active interest and maybe would like to discover some new names and insights into the topic then this book would most... Read more
Published 18 months ago by holly31-deadpoetsoiety
Poetry students must
If you are studying poetry this is a must. Not the simplist but certainly one of the most thorough analysis of contemporary poetry. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Ann E
Disappointing
Loving poetry I was really excited by the idea behind this book, but in the end I was disappointed. Despite her stated desire to do otherwise, Ruth Padel perpetuates the culture... Read more
Published 22 months ago by ad
Poetry beginner
Recommended by a friend several years ago. I now do the same. A real insight into the mind workings of poets, especially for a novice like me.
Published on 22 Dec 2009 by Sharon
Bard Brain
This book will be valuable for my U3A Poetry Reading group.
Few of us have any literary expertise or knowledge about how to appreciate a poem - we read aloud and enjoy poems... Read more
Few of us have any literary expertise or knowledge about how to appreciate a poem - we read aloud and enjoy poems... Read more
Published on 18 July 2009 by Mrs. Margaret E. Wykes
52 ways of looking at apoem
An excellent read for anyone who enjoys poetry. The book was in good condition and arrived promptly
Published on 23 May 2009 by Mrs. C. Falaki-Moghaddam
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