How to Read a Poem

by Burton Raffel

Book Overview

An introductory text that is both an anthology of over 200 poems and a comprehensive exploration of the form. Over 100 poets featured; those most widely represented include Blake, Byron, cummings, Dickinson, Donne, Alan Dugan, Frost, Louise Gluck, George Herbert, Keats, Pope, Pound, Shakespeare, Wordsworth , and Yeats .

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452010330
• ISBN13: 9780452010338
• Release Date: April 1984
• Publisher: Plume Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Good study tool

I used this book to study for the Praxis English Essay test, where there is an essay question about a poem. It definitely helped.

A superb introduction

This is still one of the best introductions to poetry ever published -- clear, straightforward, intelligent, richly detailed & written in a distinctive voice. Whether you're a student or simply love poetry, this book will serve as your guide to the world of poetry, not only explaining how it works on a technical level, but on an emotional level as well. There's no dry, above-it-all, academic prose here! Raffel is fiercely engaged with poetry, deeply in love with its beauties & possibilities, and that comes through on every page. Opinionated at times? Yes, and his book is all the better for it. Even when I disagree with his comments on this poem or that poet, I recognize his insight & passion for this wonderful art form. You just won't find a better introduction than this one -- most highly recommended!

Fantastic Poetry Trainer

When I was studying "Introduction to Poetry", I turned to Burton Raffel's "How to Read a Poem," to get the information I needed. Lot's of examples and very informative. This book is a must for anyone wanting to learn about poetry.