Craft of Poetry: A Primer in Verse

A guide to the art of writing and reading poetry, written entirely in verse, that demystifies the principles of the form and illustrates key approaches and terms. Each poem exemplifies an aspect of poetic craft, and read together they suggest how poetry can evoke a whole community and its way of life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

A comprehensive and engaging guide to the art of writing and reading poetry, this book is written entirely in verse. It offers a unique and immersive approach to understanding poetry, allowing readers to gain a deeper appreciation of the form without the distractions of abstract definitions. Rather than presenting knowledge as a mere course of instruction, this book presents poetry as a sustained pleasure.

Poet Lucy Newlyn, a Whitbread Prize for Poetry winner, takes the reader on a journey through the principles of poetry, showcasing key approaches and terms through her own original verse. Each poem in the book exemplifies an aspect of poetic craft, but when read together, they suggest the vast potential of poetry to evoke a whole community and its way of life in myriad ways.

In a series of beautiful meditations, Newlyn guides the reader through various aspects of poetry, from sonnets and haiku to volta and synecdoche. She avoids the use of glosses and notes, allowing her poems to speak for themselves and demonstrate the limitless capacity of poetry to communicate. This book appeals to both lovers of poetry and practitioners, teachers, and students of all ages.

One of the standout features of this book is its use of onomatopoeia, which adds a lively and sensory element to the poetry. The author vividly describes the sounds and sensations of the natural world, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The use of onomatopoeia allows the reader to feel a sense of connection to the natural world and to the emotions and experiences of the characters in the poem.

Overall, "Reading This Book" is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to explore the world of poetry. It offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to the art form, presented in a style that is both engaging and accessible. Whether you are a seasoned poet or a newcomer to the world of poetry, this book will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300251913