Classic Writings on Poetry

by William Harmon

Book Overview

The poet is the sayer, the namer, and represents beauty. He is a sovereign, and stands on the centre.--Ralph Waldo Emerson, from "The Poet"

" The poet] is a seer.... he is individual... he is complete in himself.... the others are as good as he, only he sees it and they do not. He is not one of the chorus. "--Walt Whitman, from the preface to Leaves of Grass

Poetry has always given rise to interpretation, judgment, and controversy...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 023112371X
• ISBN13: 9780231123716
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 560 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A great tool for teachers, at a great

The steep price for this book did not make me popular with my students, at first. But as the semester rolled on, and they began to realize how utterly comprehensive CLASSIC WRITINGS ON POETRY is, they became grateful. This is true, especially, when they do the math. This book costs roughly $75. But if I were to have them buy even the paperback versions of the writings on poetry by Aristotle, Milton, Dryden, Longfellow, Whitman, Pound, etc., the cost would be staggering. Economic reasons aside, Harmon's CLASSIC WRITINGS ON POETRY offers a great representation of the enduring essays on poetry. Ordered chronologically, each essay is preceded by an introduction by Harmon that sets the stage for the period and the writer. Although the selections are conservative and predictable, they are classics for a reason: they have all endured the tests of time and attack. Harmon's CLASSIC WRITINGS ON POETRY is a great book for people interested in the history of poetic theory, and a valuable tool for instructors of the subject.