by Michael Schmidt (Author)
In this wonderfully entertaining and instructive book Michael Schmidt gives us a history of English poetry from 1500 to 1700. The book divides into two halves - the first is a history of the poets' lives, the times during which they were writing, and an account of their works; and the second is an anthology of the poetry itself. Schmidt shows how language and the poetic imagination are shaped by politics and history, and never more so than during the period of the Renaissance to the Restoration . This is an invaluable book for all readers of poetry and students who will find no other competing volume available. This is the second book in a major four-volume project which will provide the most comprehensive history of English poetry.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 711
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Published: 10 Oct 2002
ISBN 10: 0297829386
ISBN 13: 9780297829386
Book Overview: Outstanding reviews for Lives of the Poets: 'Lives of the Poets is a seductive masterpiece,' Frederic Raphael, Sunday Times; 'A massive achievement...' Michael Hofmann, The Times; 'In many respects - the deftness of his critical judgements, the lightness of his touch, its ability both to examine minutely and to generalise boldly - this book is a tonic and a continuing pleasure.' Michael Glover, Independent; 'The most extraordinary general literary performance of 1998.' Robert Nye, Scotsman This book should become an indispensable text for students, as well as a perfect guide to poetry for the general reader.