On Poets & Poetry

by William H. Pritchard

Book Overview

William Pritchard's collection of essays and reviews on poets and poetry ranges from Dryden and Milton through the major American and British poets of the last century. One of them, Philip Larkin, answered an interviewer's question about what he had learned from his study of other poets by snapping back, "Oh, for Christ's sake, one doesn't study poets You read them, and think: That's marvelous; how is it done?" Although Pritchard has been talking...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804011141
• ISBN13: 9780804011143
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Swallow Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Pritchard on Poets an Poetry

This collection consists of reviews and essays. I found Pritchard's insights and opinions entertaining to read and helpful to me in my self-directed learning. He helped me appreciate even more some of my favorites, and introduced me to some I did not know before. I was pleased that Pritchard thinks there may be more puzzle and show than substance in some of Wallace Stevens' work. Me too. Also appreciated his love of Robert Frost. Wonderfully direct and down-to-earth criticism. Wish he had been my teacher - I graduated too soon. Charles Leach

A must read for any fan of poetry who enjoys trying to gain a better understanding

What is the point of poetry, anyway? "On Poets & Poetry" is William H. Pritchard seeking to answer that question in this intriguing volume of literary criticism as Pritchard studies poetry and comes up with many unique ideas and criticism of modern poetry and its evolution on a wide scale throughout recent history. Written by a true scholar of modern poetry, "On Poets and Poetry" is a must read for any fan of poetry who enjoys trying to gain a better understanding of it.