Becoming Poetry: Poets and Their Methods

Jay Rogoff's Becoming Poetry explores how poets use technique to create a lasting impact and identification with their work, constructing a uniquely imagined universe in the minds of readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

Winner of the Lewis P. Simpson Award, Becoming Poetry is a groundbreaking exploration of the impact of poetry on readers. Jay Rogoff, a renowned literary critic, delves into the work of two dozen poets, both his forebears and contemporaries, to unveil the profound ways in which their poetry resonates with audiences. Through a series of insightful essays spanning over twenty years of critical analysis, Rogoff delves into the intricate mechanisms that determine the lasting power and enduring identification of a poet's work with its creator. He argues that the skilled manipulation of poetic technique plays a crucial role in shaping the artistic vision and emotional impact of a poet's work. Rogoff believes that we can understand and evaluate poets by the sum of their most persuasive inventive strategies, including their attention to form. By examining how poetry can manifest a vividly conceived world of feeling and sensation, Rogoff challenges the traditional notion of evaluating poetry solely based on aesthetic considerations. Instead, he suggests that we should appreciate poets for the creative ways in which they construct a uniquely imagined universe, one that resonates deeply with readers and allows them to experience poetry as a personal and transformative journey. In Becoming Poetry, Rogoff offers a model of practical criticism, intended for enthusiasts at all levels. He demystifies the intricate processes by which poetry operates on its audience to create a virtual, affective experience of lasting power and value. Through his meticulous analysis and engaging prose, Rogoff provides readers with a deeper understanding of the art of poetry and its ability to touch the hearts and minds of those who engage with it. This essential work is a must-read for anyone who seeks to appreciate the power and beauty of poetry and its enduring influence on human culture.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807180112