A. E. Housman, being one of the most famous and widely read poets of the early twentieth century, is certainly worthy of praise. His 'Collected Poems' are therefore a valuable read because they allow readers to gain an impression of the author's mind, opinions and lifestyle. Furthermore, they simultaneously depict a man who was deeply pessimistic and obsessed with death, and, on the other hand, illustrate a man who was also very much concerned with love, youth, life and the fleetingness of the these concepts.It is easy to understand why Housman's sensitive and sympathetic depictions of heroic English soldiers influenced and affected his readers, as his poetry is often written in an uncomplicated, yet sensitive style, which allows readers to feel as if they are witnessing events almost as the poet writes them down. These poems are also intriguing to read if you are a Shakespeare fan, as it is possible to spot many Shakespeare references in Housman's writing. A glossary or footnotes at the back of this book would be appreciated in any further editions, in order to allow readers to gain more understanding of the other poets and authors that Housman was influenced by. In brief, this collection presents the literary highlights of Housman's career, and this will be most appreciated by readers new to Housman's poetry.
A.E. Housman
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First Sentence
From Clee to heaven the beacon burns, The shires have seen it plain, From north and south the sign returns And beacons burn again. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
From Clee to heaven the beacon burns, The shires have seen it plain, From north and south the sign returns And beacons burn again. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Every Housman fan has his (or her, don't women read him as well?) favourites. For me 'The True Lover', 'How clear, how lovely bright', and 'A.J.J.' would have to be the three best (probably). But they're all great. As with all great poetry, it's not at all easy to say exactly WHY. But they produce some effect (hairs on the back of the neck, a chill on the arms, a tear to the eye etc. etc.) that is not found often in other poets' works (at least not as frequently as in Housman's). This is true poetry. Housman even said he wanted his poetry to be felt by the reader, to create an emotional response to the words.
This is the definitive volume of Housman's poetry, containing all of them from 'A Shropshire Lad', 'Last Poems', and 'More Poems'. Slim volumes, all of them, but then with things like this it's quality, not quantity...
Treat yourself today.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
Five star poetry but a badly oudated edition. Get the Wordsworth instead
9 Jun 2011
By Cardew Robinson
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
The poetry is, of course, deeply moving, haunting, wistful and beautiful. However, this Penguin edition was first published in 1956. You'd have thought they could be bothered to overhaul it with a check of textual accuracy and a new intro for the 21st century.
Maybe a new edition is in the pipeline. In the meantime save a few quid by getting the far superior Wordsworth edition. Also highly recommended are Wordsworth's complete editions of Hardy and Kipling, two other major poets whose work they do full justice to, unlike the bigger publishing houses.
Maybe a new edition is in the pipeline. In the meantime save a few quid by getting the far superior Wordsworth edition. Also highly recommended are Wordsworth's complete editions of Hardy and Kipling, two other major poets whose work they do full justice to, unlike the bigger publishing houses.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A very useful and modestly priced book. It was more extensive than the books I had previously used, so was most helpful to me.
15 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Housman's poetry doesn't seem to be too fashionable these days. Not 'politically correct' as he writes about Empire and the Monarchy as well as the more profane. This is a pity as his work often takes the ordinary person's viewpoint - Kipling has the same problem with cultural censorship enacted by those who think they know best; the Ignorati. Anyway, read this book, it's 'real' poetry that scans well and has rhythm and speaks to you on your level.
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