Philip Larkin (1922-1985) remains England's best-loved poet - a writer matchlessly capable of evoking his native land and of touching all readers from the most sophisticated intellectual to the proverbial common reader. The late John Betjeman observed that 'this tenderly observant poet writes clearly, rhythmically, and thoughtfully about what all of us can understand'. Behind this modest description lies a poet who made greatness look, in Milton's prescription, 'simple, sensuous and passionate'.
The Whitsun Weddings
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Book Description
One of six wonderful collections published in celebration of Faber's rich poetry heritage.
From the Publisher
We are pleased to announce the publication of eleven more titles into the new typographic look. The specifications for the books are high -beautifully produced, they all have flaps and are sewn and printed in Italy. The latest batch represents some of the core titles of the backlist (Philip Larkin's Collected Poems, Ted Hughes's New Selected Poems, James Joyce's Poems and Shorter Writings) along with key, single volumes that should be part of any poetry lover's library (and whose reissue, in the form in which they were first published, will give a whole new generation the pleasure of coming to the books as original readers).
--This text refers to the
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Dani.
Format:Paperback
Looking at the previous reviews I find it quite adverse that someone would condemn a book of poetry because it isn't 'perky' enough. I thought poetry was about so much more than just lifting the spirits.
I myself am 17, studying The Whitsun Weddings for my AS level. Incontestably, it is of a depressive nature, but I do not view this as a possible criticism of the book. This is the very thing that makes it a worthwhile read. Larkin's pessimistic/realist views on matters such as monogamy and marriage, consumerism and generally pre-idealised life are yes, very blunt and negative, but something we have all atleast pondered on. I think his work is very enjoyable. With his arrogance constantly juxaposed with his feelings of inadequacy, I felt like I could despise him, and at the same time, completely empathise with him. Intricate work!
I recommend it!
I myself am 17, studying The Whitsun Weddings for my AS level. Incontestably, it is of a depressive nature, but I do not view this as a possible criticism of the book. This is the very thing that makes it a worthwhile read. Larkin's pessimistic/realist views on matters such as monogamy and marriage, consumerism and generally pre-idealised life are yes, very blunt and negative, but something we have all atleast pondered on. I think his work is very enjoyable. With his arrogance constantly juxaposed with his feelings of inadequacy, I felt like I could despise him, and at the same time, completely empathise with him. Intricate work!
I recommend it!
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Ms. S. J. Smith
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Larkin’s poetry is very commonly perceived as being highly negative and melancholic, with themes such as death and disappointment featuring frequently throughout. However when reading the Whitsun weddings you can’t help but feel that Larkin is simply creating a voice for our own personal worries and concerns.
Due to his sharp, perceptive observations on life and its many obstacles, we see that Larkin is not a miserable character, and the only reason he is perceived as being this way is because his poems within the Whitsun weddings are of death, disappointment and failing love and are stereotypically things we don’t want to hear but sadly are very true to life’s journey.
The collection works well as it creates a variety of mood and tone, never having two poems of the same theme next to each other. Larkin adopts the persona of the everyday man when narrating the poems and we see characters such as ‘Arnold’ in ‘Self’s the Man’ that are thoroughly unfulfilled in their lives. When reading the poems you can see how thought provoking they really are, as they sometimes read as warnings, such as ‘Mr Bleaney’ the ‘tale’ of a man who ‘warrants no better’ than a small, empty room where family do not visit. The protagonists created by Larkin are
Shocking, as the honesty and stark nature in which they are described makes you realise that, “that could be me if I choose to watch life rather than participate in it”.
A great collection of poetry written by a man commonly misunderstood because of his honest, tender and shocking observations on life, love and death. Larkin has his hands gripped firmly on reality and is massively aware and unafraid to express his worries, fears and concerns to others whether or not they are things one wants to hear.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Ms. S. J. Smith
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Larkin's poetry is very commonly perceived as being highly negative and melancholic, with themes such as death and disappointment featuring frequently throughout. However when reading the Whitsun weddings you can't help but feel that Larkin is simply creating a voice for our own personal worries and concerns.
Due to his sharp, perceptive observations on life and its many obstacles, we see that Larkin is not a miserable character, and the only reason he is perceived as being this way is because his poems within the Whitsun weddings are of death, disappointment and failing love and are stereotypically things we don't want to hear but sadly are very true to life's journey.
The collection works well as it creates a variety of mood and tone, never having two poems of the same theme next to each other. Larkin adopts the persona of the everyday man when narrating the poems and we see characters such as 'Arnold' in 'Self's the Man' that are thoroughly unfulfilled in their lives. When reading the poems you can see how thought provoking they really are, as they sometimes read as warnings, such as 'Mr Bleaney' the 'tale' of a man who 'warrants no better' than a small, empty room where family do not visit. The protagonists created by Larkin are shocking, as the honesty and stark nature in which they are described makes you realise that, "that could be me if I choose to watch life rather than participate in it".
A great collection of poetry written by a man commonly misunderstood because of his honest, tender and shocking observations on life, love and death. Larkin has his hands gripped firmly on reality and is massively aware and unafraid to express his worries, fears and concerns to others whether or not they are things one wants to hear.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
Great for English in school, and easy to make annotations in. Clear to read. Larkin is a poetic genius too.
Published 18 days ago by Aishah
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book
I ordered two of these books and they arrived very quickly, and were reasonably priced. They have been very useful for my daughters coursework.
Published 3 months ago by Miss J More
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect!
Always loved Larkin's work, and it is great to have on the Kindle. Now I can choose to read all, or just have a poem a day
Published 5 months ago by Tony Whelan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!
A very enjoyable and insightful book of poetry, this coming from someone who is usually very impatient with the poetic form! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars
THe Whitsun Weddings
Product (Philip Larkin's The Whitsun Weddings) arrived on time. Brilliant condition just as decribed by seller. Very useful for my A-level coursework.
Published 19 months ago by Hayden B
4.0 out of 5 stars
Value for money
I bought this when in college doing A Level English, so had to buy it rather than out of choice. However compared to book stores the price was fantastic. Read more
Published on 4 Mar 2011 by Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars
A room with a view: Mr Bleaney in Larkin's Whitsun Weddings
Have you ever read your old notes or annnotations?
I was looking at this poem again on Saturday after a long gap I think of about 20 years! Read more
I was looking at this poem again on Saturday after a long gap I think of about 20 years! Read more
Published on 16 Nov 2010 by J. S. Lewison
5.0 out of 5 stars
Proper poetry
The reason for buying Larkin is to experience a piece of literary legend. Don't expect to be uplifted or cheered! Read more
Published on 23 April 2009 by A. Burton
4.0 out of 5 stars
Depressing but Important
Undoubtedly Larkin is a great poet but as others have said his morbidity can become annoying. However, just because you disagree with someone's philosophy and perceptions in life... Read more
Published on 10 April 2009 by I. M. Knight
5.0 out of 5 stars
Philip Larkin, 'The Whitson Weddings'.
First published in 1964 this collection established Larkin as one of Britain's finest poets since John Betjeman. Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2009 by Chris Flanagan
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