An Introduction to English Poetry

James Fenton is that rare scholar "not ashamed to admit that he mostly reads for pleasure" (Charles Simic, "The New York Review of Books). In this eminently readable guide to his abiding passion, he has distilled the essence of a library's--and a lifetime's--worth of delight. The pleasures of his own verse can be found in abundance here: economy, a natural ease, and, most of all, surprise. What is English poetry? Fenton argues that it includes any recited words in English that marshall rhythm for their meaning--among them prisoners' work songs, Broadway show tunes, and the cries of street vendors. From these beginnings, Fenton describes the rudiments of and the inspiration for written verse, concluding with an illuminating discussion of operas and songs. Fenton illustrates his comments with poetry from all over the English-speaking world.