Allen & Unwin Rhyme and Reason - British Poetry History Book

Discover the surprising stories behind the verses that shaped a nation. Written by the bestselling author of The Etymologicon, Rhyme and Reason offers a fresh look at six centuries of English poetry. This book moves past the idea that poetry must be difficult to appreciate, focusing instead on why people have read it for fun, romance, and religion for hundreds of years. Explore fascinating historical facts, such as how a kitchen-maid rose to become a popular 18th-century poet, or the massive sales numbers of Lord Byron. From the unexpected volume of women poets published during the First World War to the legendary figures of the past, this history is designed to be enjoyed. Whether you are a lifelong reader or someone who thinks poetry is not for you, this book provides an unconventional and provocative journey through the history of British verse.