French Lyrics By: Arthur Graves Canfield
French Lyrics by Arthur Graves Canfield is a captivating collection of poetry that beautifully captures the essence of French culture and language. Set against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes and composed with eloquent words, this anthology offers a vivid exploration of love, loss, and life’s fleeting moments. Each poem in this book is a work of art in itself. Canfield’s mastery of the French language shines through in his impeccable translations, carefully preserving the rhythm and lyricism of the original French verses. From the very first page, readers are transported to the streets of Paris, the banks of the Seine, and the charming countryside of Provence. The themes explored in this collection are timeless and universal. Love, with all its complexities and nuances, is a prevalent motif throughout the poems. Canfield’s words effortlessly convey the agony of heartbreak as well as the overwhelming joy of being in love. One cannot help but be drawn into the emotions described in each stanza, feeling a kinship with the poet. What truly sets French Lyrics apart is the attention to detail in the imagery. Canfield’s descriptions paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, creating a sensory experience that goes beyond the words on the page. Whether it is the scent of freshly baked croissants, the sound of the accordion in a bustling café, or the sight of blooming lavender fields, each poem immerses the reader in the rich tapestry of French culture. While the poetry itself is undoubtedly the highlight of this collection, Canfield’s insightful commentary and notes add depth and context. By providing background information on the origins of each poem, the reader gains a greater appreciation for the cultural significance and historical influences within the verses. French Lyrics is a delightful read for both lovers of poetry and those with an affinity for French language and culture. Arthur Graves Canfield’s ability to capture the essence of France through his words is truly remarkable. This anthology is a testament to his skill as both a poet and translator, and it is destined to become a cherished addition to any literature enthusiast’s collection. First Page: FRENCH LYRICS SELECTED AND EDITED WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY ARTHUR GRAVES CANFIELD Professor of the Romance Languages and Literatures in the University of Michigan. PREFACE. This book is intended as an introduction to the reading and study of French lyric poetry. If it contributes toward making that poetry more widely known and more justly appreciated its purpose will have been fulfilled. It is rather usual among English speaking people to think slightingly of the poetry of France, especially of her lyrics. This is not unnatural. The qualities that give French verse its distinction are very different from those that make the strength and the charm of our English lyrics. But we must guard ourselves against the conclusion that because a work is unlike those that we are accustomed to admire it is necessarily bad. There are many kinds of excellence. And this little book must have been poorly put together indeed if it fail to suggest to the reader that France possesses a wealth of lyric verse which, whatever be its shortcomings in those qualities that characterize our English lyrics, has others quite its own, both of form and of spirit, that give it a high and serious interest and no small measure of beauty and charm. The editor has sought to keep the purpose of the volume constantly in view in preparing the introduction and notes... Continue reading book >>

French Lyrics By: Arthur Graves Canfield

French Lyrics by Arthur Graves Canfield is a captivating collection of poetry that beautifully captures the essence of French culture and language. Set against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes and composed with eloquent words, this anthology offers a vivid exploration of love, loss, and life’s fleeting moments.

Each poem in this book is a work of art in itself. Canfield’s mastery of the French language shines through in his impeccable translations, carefully preserving the rhythm and lyricism of the original French verses. From the very first page, readers are transported to the streets of Paris, the banks of the Seine, and the charming countryside of Provence.

The themes explored in this collection are timeless and universal. Love, with all its complexities and nuances, is a prevalent motif throughout the poems. Canfield’s words effortlessly convey the agony of heartbreak as well as the overwhelming joy of being in love. One cannot help but be drawn into the emotions described in each stanza, feeling a kinship with the poet.

What truly sets French Lyrics apart is the attention to detail in the imagery. Canfield’s descriptions paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, creating a sensory experience that goes beyond the words on the page. Whether it is the scent of freshly baked croissants, the sound of the accordion in a bustling café, or the sight of blooming lavender fields, each poem immerses the reader in the rich tapestry of French culture.

While the poetry itself is undoubtedly the highlight of this collection, Canfield’s insightful commentary and notes add depth and context. By providing background information on the origins of each poem, the reader gains a greater appreciation for the cultural significance and historical influences within the verses.

French Lyrics is a delightful read for both lovers of poetry and those with an affinity for French language and culture. Arthur Graves Canfield’s ability to capture the essence of France through his words is truly remarkable. This anthology is a testament to his skill as both a poet and translator, and it is destined to become a cherished addition to any literature enthusiast’s collection.

First Page:

FRENCH LYRICS

SELECTED AND EDITED WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES

ARTHUR GRAVES CANFIELD

Professor of the Romance Languages and Literatures in the University of Michigan.

PREFACE.

This book is intended as an introduction to the reading and study of French lyric poetry. If it contributes toward making that poetry more widely known and more justly appreciated its purpose will have been fulfilled.

It is rather usual among English speaking people to think slightingly of the poetry of France, especially of her lyrics. This is not unnatural. The qualities that give French verse its distinction are very different from those that make the strength and the charm of our English lyrics. But we must guard ourselves against the conclusion that because a work is unlike those that we are accustomed to admire it is necessarily bad. There are many kinds of excellence. And this little book must have been poorly put together indeed if it fail to suggest to the reader that France possesses a wealth of lyric verse which, whatever be its shortcomings in those qualities that characterize our English lyrics, has others quite its own, both of form and of spirit, that give it a high and serious interest and no small measure of beauty and charm.

The editor has sought to keep the purpose of the volume constantly in view in preparing the introduction and notes... Continue reading book >>

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