Modern English Classical Poetry

First published in 1988, this study explains how certain genres created by Classical poets were adapted and sometimes transformed by the poets of the modern world, beginning with the Tudor poets’ rediscovery of the Classical heritage. Most of the long-lived poetic genres are discussed, from familiar examples like the hymn, elegy and eulogy, to less familiar topics such as the recusatio (refusal to write certain kinds of poems), or formal structures such as priamel. By combining criticism with literary history, the author explores the degree to which certain poets were consciously imitating models, and demonstrates how various generic forms reflect the literary concerns of individual poets as well as the general concerns of their age. The poets discussed range over the whole of Graeco-Roman antiquity, and in English from Wyatt to Yeats and Auden. A detailed and fascinating title, this study will appeal to teachers and students of both English and Classical literature.

This study is concerned with Early Modern English psalm translations. It focusses on the connection between inspiration and formal perfection as it appears in George Wither's "A Preparation to the Psalter", Philip Sidney's "The Defence of Poesy", "The Sidney Psalter" and "The Bay Psalm Book". Taking into account theological, philosophical, and literary contexts of the time, it reveals the struggle to find a suitable language in praise of God as a main concern of Early Modern religious writers, and presents concepts which are highly relevant for the religious poetry of the time. Dissertation. (Series: Religion and Literature / Religion und Literatur, Vol. 5) [Subject: Religious Studies]

This lovely book pairs selections of translated Greek and Roman verse from Homer, Sappho, Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, among others, with fine examples of paintings, sculpture, vases, and decorative objects. The excerpts, which cover the period from the eighth century B.C. to the early Middle Ages, were chosen from famous works, such as Homer's Iliad as well as less well-known pieces, such as the writings of the Greek poet Ibycus. This book demonstrates that the human preoccupation with love in all its forms has inspired writers for millennia: from the expression of enduring faithfulness and familial affection in Homer's description of Hector and Andromache to the passionate intensity portrayed by the later Greek lyric poets and the light-hearted depiction of love as a lost little boy by the anonymous authors of the Inacreontea. The book includes a brief introduction to Greek and Roman views on love and marriage, a short biographical note on each of the major poets, and a glossary of mythical and geographical names.

A sad thing happens to most people somewhere between preschool and college: we unlearn our natural love of poetry, a love rooted in sound and surprise, pattern and play, discovery and delight. That loss is a tragedy that this book aims to reverse. Based on fifteen years of teaching, and dedicated to the belief that rigor and accessibility are compatible, Listening to Poetry takes nothing for granted, and builds students’ confidence and skills from the ground up. It uses innovative, student-centered, and process-based approaches, including practical how-tos and skill-focused exercises for every subject covered. Poems don’t have to be approached like riddles to be solved, codes to be cracked, or prisoners to be interrogated. There is a better way, and it starts right here. Don’t take our word for it, though. Listen to students who’ve read this book: “I need to give full appreciation to this book for my new-found love of poetry... I have found myself a new hobby.” “Before this book I was overwhelmed by poetry and felt I would never be artistic enough to create or analyze it. Now I feel very comfortable... and am excited to continue my appreciation for the art.” “I have found my love for poetry from reading this book. I have learned how to read poetry and how to understand it.”

This text features 28 essays written by important international scholars on the major poems of the English Renaissance. It offers scholarship on subjects ranging from the invention of English verse, Petrarchism, pastoral, elegy, and satire, to women's religious verse, the place of homoeroticism and Cavalier poetry.