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An Introduction to English Poetry [Paperback]

James Fenton (Author)

4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

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Book Description

Publication Date: 29 May 2003 | ISBN-10: 0141004398 | ISBN-13: 978-0141004396 | Edition: New Ed

James Fenton's An Introduction to English Poetry offers a master class for both the reader and writer of poetry. Simply and elegantly written and discussing the work of poets as wide ranging as W. H. Auden, Dylan Thomas, Tennyson, Kipling, Milton and Blake, it covers all varieties of poetic practice in English.

'It is hard to imagine a beginner who could not learn from [this book]. If you know a young poet, give them this' The Times Literary Supplement

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'It is hard to imagine a beginner who could not learn from [this book]. If you know a young poet, give them this' The Times Literary Supplement

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Product details

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Penguin; New Ed edition (29 May 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0141004398
ISBN-13: 978-0141004396
Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 0.8 x 19.8 cm

Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 72,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #84 in Books > Fiction > Poetry & Drama > Poetry > World > American > 20th Century

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Review

'It is hard to imagine a beginner who could not learn from [this book]. If you know a young poet, give them this' The Times Literary Supplement

About the Author

Until recently James Fenton was Professor of Poetry at Oxford. A former political journalist (he was south-east Asia correspondent for the Independent), he also served as drama critic for the Sunday Times for seven years, and writes regularly on artfor the New Yorker. He has published four books of poems in Penguin. He lives outside Oxford and in London.

Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
English poetry begins whenever we decide to say the modern English language begins, and it extends as far as we decide to say that the English language extends. Read the first page

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Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction to English peotry 23 Jan 2004

By Mr. M. I. Zakiuddin

Format:Paperback

A brilliant book! The 22 loosely connected essays, that form the chapters of this book, are enjoyable and easy to read, but instructive and illuminating at the same time. An accomplised poet, James Fenton clearly understands both the technicalities and the aesthetics of English poetry very well. And in this book I think he does a fine job of communicating both, with a light smattering of his, obviously extensive, erudition.

After reading this book I understand not simply what metre is, and what some of the metrical techniques are, but I also understand how to appreciate metre much better, and how metre contributes to the overall poetic achievement. And that is what I liked. But what is particularly impressive is that this knowledge and understanding is communicated by a series of short and simple essays, which are the book chapters. You can read and learn something worthwhile in ten minutes - or perhaps even less.

Too often in studies of literature a reader can feel oppressed by the erudition of the writer; but not here. James Fenton uses his knowledge of poetry well, it helps him to instruct, and it inspires our apprecation of the peotic concept and of the quoted poet. Perhaps the best example of this is his quote from Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel. I had barely heard of Dryden, but after reading the chapter that quotes Absalom and Achitophel I am left thinking, "I want to read that poem, and more Dryden."

In short if you want to learn about English poetry and be better able to appreciate it, then read this book.

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for any aspiring poet 23 Mar 2006

By doublegone TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Accessible, readable, useable, brilliant. The best book for the aspiring poet I have ever seen. The author is an academic but you don't need to be to get his points.

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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This opened my eyes to poetry 17 Aug 2011

By J. Hughes

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I arrived at this book by coincidence; after reading a series of books on grammar and the construction of prose combined with the bibliography from Hitch 22 I was inspired to learn more about Poetry, and James Fenton seemed best qualified to make that introduction.

Previously I had seen poetry as a fairly self-indulgent and pretentious pursuit, but during the course of this book I came to appreciate how technical constraints provide a framework for expressing ideas. The chapters are able to break down what poetry is, James Fenton defines the concepts and rules of the form in an interesting and none-patronising way. It also avoids the aspects that may deter many readers, namely: what the subjects of poetry should be (this is left entirely to the reader). The examples are chosen for their illustrative merit (e.g. demonstrating Iambic Pentameter) and do not try to to do the job of an anthology.

I enjoy instructional books that cover basic principals, leaving the reader to practice and study how to use them. An Introduction to English Poetry will likely be read and reread by those who wish to appreciate and/or write poetry.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book

Quick, sharp and easily readable, without slowing down for a readership. His enthusiasm for and explanation of metre, including blank verse and shorter lines, was particularly... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Daniel

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Read

This book had a marvellous writing style which made it very engaging and easy to read. It was both educational and enjoyable. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Catherine Gilliland

1.0 out of 5 stars A book about stanzas with obliterated stanzas

The Kindle version is �1 more than the print one. However the poems are formatted so badly as to make the chapter on stanzas, in particular, almost useless. Read more

Published 6 months ago by odd number

2.0 out of 5 stars A very patronising book

If you can get through a rather blinkered and uninformed introduction, technically this little book it fine.

It's such a shame the author spoilt it with pomposity. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Weve

3.0 out of 5 stars Kindle Edition lets down the side

I would agree with all the positive views about this book. I read it virtually at a single sitting, and found it outstanding. Read more

Published 10 months ago by Leseratte

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible & Informative Introduction

Poetry was the area of English literature I was least confident about teaching when asked to deliver a module three years ago. Read more

Published 12 months ago by eolrod

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to English Poetry

I received the product in the terms stipulated, it was as described. Thanks and looking forward to buying from you again.Regards.

Published 17 months ago by Siman

5.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction

Together with Stephen Fry's more recent "The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within", Fenton's "Introduction" is excellent and they make a good pair. Read more

Published 20 months ago by RR Waller

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear explanation

This book gives clear, easy to understand explanations. It doesn't muddy the water by using complicated illustrations or use words I needed a dictionary to understand. Read more

Published on 14 July 2010 by A. Wright

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