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An Introduction to English Poetry (Paperback)

by James Fenton (Author) "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..." (more)

4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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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: 19.2 x 12.8 x 1.6 cm

Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 11,016 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)
Popular in these categories:
#10 in Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism > History & Criticism > Poetry & Poets
#97 in Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism > Poetry

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Product Description

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

Product Description

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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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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4.5 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)

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43 of 43 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 (London, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	doublegone (scotland) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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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