Is both a history and an anthology of poetry in the English language, from Chaucer to T.S. Eliot and from Shakespeare to Dylan Thomas.

Is both a history and an anthology of poetry in the English language, from Chaucer to T.S. Eliot and from Shakespeare to Dylan Thomas.

In 'Six Centuries of English Poetry: Tennyson to Chaucer,' James Baldwin expertly navigates the evolution of English poetry from the Victorian era to the Middle Ages. Through an in-depth analysis of works by poets such as Alfred Lord Tennyson and Geoffrey Chaucer, Baldwin provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the themes, styles, and historical contexts of each poem. The book is a scholarly exploration of how English poetry has evolved over time, offering insightful commentary and critical interpretations of some of the most influential poems in literary history. James Baldwin, known for his expertise in literature and poetry, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to this work. His background as a renowned literary critic and professor undoubtedly informs his analysis, making 'Six Centuries of English Poetry' a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend 'Six Centuries of English Poetry: Tennyson to Chaucer' to anyone interested in the evolution of English poetry and the works of Tennyson, Chaucer, and other influential poets. Baldwin's scholarly approach and insightful commentary make this book a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of English literary traditions.

The Penguin Book of English Song anthologizes the work of 100 English poets who have inspired a host of different composers (some English, some not) to write vocal music. Each of the chapters, arranged chronologically from Chaucer to Auden, opens with a precis of the poet's life, work and, often, approach to music. Richard Stokes's notes and commentaries constantly illuminate the language and themes of the poems and their settings in unexpected ways. An awareness of how Ben Jonson based his famous poem 'Drinke to me, onely, with thine eyes' on a Greek original, for example, increases our enjoyment of both the poem and the traditional song; knowledge of Thomas Hardy's relationships with women deepens our appreciation of songs by Ireland, Finzi, Britten and others; Charles Dibdin's 'Tom Bowling', played each year at the Last Night of the Proms, takes on a deeper resonance when we know that it was written after the death of his brother Tom, a sea captain struck by lightning in the Indian Ocean. Many composers of different nationalities appear, but the book remains quintessentially British, and includes pieces that have an established place in our national consciousness: 'Rule, Britannia' (James Thomson), 'Abide with me' (Henry Francis Lyte), 'Auld lang syne' (Robert Burns), 'Jerusalem' (William Blake), 'Once in royal David's city' (Mrs C. F. Alexander), and even 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star' (Jane Taylor). The poems are printed in their original versification and spelling, enabling us to trace the development of the English language as the book progresses. The volume presents a huge amount of information about English Song that will enlighten all those who delight in the fusion of words and music. The presence of minor as well as major poets and the unique principle of selection make The Penguin Book of English Song a highly original anthology of English verse.