Wiley Reading Eighteenth-Century Poetry (Wiley Blackwell Reading Poetry)

Reading Eighteenth-Century Poetry recaptures for modern readers the urgency, distinctiveness and rewarding nature of this challenging and powerful body of poetry. An essential guide to reading eighteenth-century poetry, written by world-renowned critic, Patricia Meyer Spacks Exposes the multiplicity of forms, tones, and topics engaged by poets during this period Provides in-depth analysis of poems by established figures such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, as well as work by less familiar figures, including Anne Finch and Mary Leapor A broadly chronological structure incorporates close reading alongside insightful contextual and historical detail Captures the power and uniqueness of eighteenth-century poetry, creating an ideal guide for those returning to this period, or delving into it for the first time Review "Reading Eighteenth-Century Poetry, a book designated for the specialist and general reader alike." (Studies in English Literature, Summer 2010)"The readings that Spacks provides are nuanced and stimulating. Each of the chapters is organized around the detailed close reading of three to four poems which are related to each other in order to exemplify the range of possible responses to phenomena such as emotion, reflection or description. Spacks's guidance introduces the student reader to the generic and thematic fluidity of eighteenth-century poetry but also offers stimulating readings to the experienced scholar." (English Studies, August 2010) “Spacks is an impressive close reader, and her lively, persuasive analyses offer exemplary models to students coming to this method or subject for the first time.” (CHOICE, August 2009) From the Inside Flap Written by world-renowned critic, Patricia Meyer Spacks, Reading Eighteenth-Century Poetry recaptures for modern readers the urgency, distinctiveness and rewarding nature of the poetry written in this period. Broadly chronological in structure, and incorporating close reading alongside astute contextual and historical detail, it exposes the multiplicity of forms, tones, and topics engaged by eighteenth-century poets. The book includes close analysis of poems by such well-known writers such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, as well as work by less familiar poets, including Stephen Duck and Mary Leapor. For those returning to eighteenth-century poetry, or delving into it for the first time, this is an essential guide to reading these challenging and powerful works of literature. From the Back Cover Written by world-renowned critic, Patricia Meyer Spacks, Reading Eighteenth-Century Poetry recaptures for modern readers the urgency, distinctiveness and rewarding nature of the poetry written in this period. Broadly chronological in structure, and incorporating close reading alongside astute contextual and historical detail, it exposes the multiplicity of forms, tones, and topics engaged by eighteenth-century poets. The book includes close analysis of poems by such well-known writers such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, as well as work by less familiar poets, including Stephen Duck and Mary Leapor. For those returning to eighteenth-century poetry, or delving into it for the first time, this is an essential guide to reading these challenging and powerful works of literature. About the Author PATRICIA MEYER SPACKS is Edgar F. Shannon Professor of Eighteenth-Century Literature at the University of Virginia. She is the author of numerous books, and amongst other honors, was Vice President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences from 2001-2006.