The Alcaic Metre in the English Imagination

This book explores how the alcaic meter, an ancient Greek and Latin poetic form, influenced English poetry and continues to shape modern poets' imagination. It reveals surprising connections between English poets across five centuries, highlighting a flourishing of English alcaics in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the fascinating journey of an ancient Greek and Latin poetic form, the alcaic meter, as it made its way into English poetry and continues to inspire and shape the imaginations of poets today. English poets have long been captivated by the extraordinary beauty and complexity of the alcaic stanza, often referred to as "the grandest of all measures" by renowned poet Tennyson. Their innovative interpretations of the ancient alcaic have brought about remarkable advancements in modern poetry, revolutionizing rhythms, sounds, and shapes.

This groundbreaking book is the first comprehensive exploration of this neglected chapter in English literary history and classical reception. John Talbot, a meticulous scholar, meticulously examines the rhythm and texture of the verses of English poets spanning five centuries. Through his insightful analysis, he uncovers surprising connections between these poets, including Mary Shelley, Milton, Marvell, Tennyson, Edward FitzGerald, Wilfred Owen, W. H. Auden, and Donald Hall.

Talbot pays particular attention to a flourishing of English alcaics during the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries, shedding light on what this resurgence signifies about the evolving place of classics and poetic form in contemporary culture. He explores the ways in which English poets have adapted and reimagined the alcaic meter to suit their artistic visions, creating a rich tapestry of poetic styles and forms.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, history, and poetic innovation. It offers a fresh perspective on the enduring influence of ancient poetic forms on modern literature and provides valuable insights into the creative process of English poets. Through its meticulous research and engaging narrative, "The Alcaic Metre in English Poetry" offers a rich and rewarding exploration of the power of language and the enduring legacy of classical literature in shaping the imagination of poets across generations.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350232495