The Routledge Introduction to Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Canadian Poetry

Poetry is a powerful form of expression that can puncture the surface and give greater range to our lives and thinking. This book provides students with an introduction to the key cultural, political, and historical events that inform twentieth- and twenty-first-century Canadian poetry, as well as familiarizes them with poetic movements, trends, and forms of the same time period. It also addresses the aesthetic and social contexts of Canadian poetry written in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, modeling for its readers the critical and theoretical discourses needed to understand the contexts of literary production in Canada.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

When asked the question, "What is the power of poetry?" writer Ian Williams offered a profound response: Poetry, he claimed, possesses the ability to puncture the surface and delve deeper into the essence of existence. Williams' statement, emphasizing the importance and transformative power of poetry, serves as the guiding principle of this book.

Building upon this core idea, the practical and pedagogical aim of this text is twofold: the first objective is to introduce students to the key cultural, political, and historical events that have shaped twentieth- and twenty-first-century Canadian poetry. The second goal is to familiarize those same readers with the poetic movements, trends, and forms of the same time period. By providing a comprehensive introduction to these aspects, the book seeks to equip students with the necessary tools to understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of Canadian poetry.

This book addresses the aesthetic and social contexts of Canadian poetry written in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It serves as a model for readers, providing them with the critical and theoretical discourses required to comprehend the contexts of literary production in Canada. In essence, readers need a sense of the "where" and "how" of poetic production to fully grasp the "what" of poetry itself.

In addition to offering a historically contextualized overview of the significant movements, developments, and poets of this time period, this book also familiarizes readers with key moments of reflection and rupture. These include the effects of economic and ecological crises, global conflicts, and debates surrounding cultural appropriation. It is important to note that poetry in Canada does not exist in a vacuum; rather, it is deeply intertwined with political, social, and cultural contexts.

By exploring these themes, this book aims to deepen students' understanding of the power of poetry to transcend boundaries, challenge perceptions, and evoke emotions. It encourages readers to engage with poetry on a personal level, allowing it to resonate with their experiences and shape their perspectives. Through its comprehensive approach, this book seeks to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and significance of poetry in Canadian culture.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367371678