Cambridge Guide to Reading Poetry

This book believes that poetry matters and that it enables us to enjoy and understand life. It provides guidance on how to unlock poetry, considering language, technique, feeling, and subject matter. It also models independent research, showing where to start, how to develop ideas, and how to draw conclusions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

At the core of this captivating book lies a profound belief that poetry holds immense significance, granting us the ability to relish and comprehend the intricacies of life. In this accessible guide, Andrew Hodgson equips the reader with the essential tools to embark on the challenging yet immensely rewarding journey of unlocking poetry. Through thoughtful consideration of key questions such as language, technique, emotion, and subject matter, Hodgson illuminates the profound messages conveyed by each poem. With a lucid and empathetic approach, he explores a diverse array of poets writing in English, showcasing how their works expand our understanding of ourselves and our world. The process of independent research is modeled step-by-step, guiding the reader on where to begin, how to develop ideas, and how to arrive at insightful conclusions. This comprehensive guide also offers valuable guidance on how to plan, organize, and craft essays, close readings, and commentaries, from the initial annotation to the final editing stage. By imparting confidence in discovering and expressing one's unique personal response to poetry, this book serves as a valuable companion for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the world of literary appreciation.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108824125
Edition number: New ed