Prose Poetry: An Introduction

Prose Poetry is the first book of its kind, providing an engaging and authoritative introduction to the history, development, and features of English-language prose poetry. It explores the key characteristics of prose poetry, charts its evolution from the nineteenth century to the present, and discusses many historical and contemporary prose poems that demonstrate its diversity and innovation. The book also highlights the contributions of female prose poets and emphasizes how prose poetry challenges conventions and opens up new imaginative vistas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Prose Poetry is a captivating and insightful exploration into the world of English-language prose poetry, a literary genre that is gaining increasing prominence and recognition. This groundbreaking work serves as an engaging and authoritative introduction to the history, development, and unique features of prose poetry, a form that is often misunderstood and underappreciated. Co-authored by poets and scholars Paul Hetherington and Cassandra Atherton, Prose Poetry delves into the core characteristics of this genre, tracing its evolution from the nineteenth century to the present. Through their comprehensive analysis, the authors highlight the immense diversity of prose poetry across the Anglophone world, showcasing its capacity to represent some of the most inventive and innovative writing of our time.

A prose poem, unlike traditional poetic forms, combines the structure of prose with the artistry of poetry. It lacks the rigid line breaks found in other poetic styles but employs poetic techniques such as internal rhyme, repetition, and compression to create a rich and evocative literary experience. Prose Poetry explores how this unique form opens up new possibilities for writers, allowing them to reshape the resources of prose while redefining the boundaries of poetry. The book delves into the historical precursors of prose poetry, including influential figures such as William Wordsworth and Walt Whitman, as well as contemporary prose poets who have made significant contributions to the genre. It pays equal attention to male and female prose poets, recognizing the essential yet often overlooked contributions of women to the development of prose poetry.

One of the remarkable aspects of Prose Poetry is its ability to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of imagination. The authors explore how prose poetry tests the limits of language and form, offering readers fresh perspectives and innovative ways of thinking. By blurring the lines between prose and poetry, prose poetry opens up new imaginative vistas, inviting readers to engage with literature in new and exciting ways. Whether you are a reader, student, teacher, or writer of prose poetry, this essential book provides valuable insights and inspiration. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the genre, its historical context, and its potential for creative expression. Prose Poetry is a testament to the power of literature to transcend boundaries and engage the hearts of readers on a profound level.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691180656