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Select Poems of Thomas Gray   By: (1716-1771)

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I recently had the pleasure of reading Select Poems of Thomas Gray, a collection of works by the renowned poet Thomas Gray. In this anthology, Gray's lyrical and expressive talent is on full display, leaving readers captivated and moved by his words.

What struck me most about this collection is the timeless nature of Gray's poetry. Despite being written in the 18th century, his verses still resonate with modern readers. His themes of love, loss, and the transient nature of life are universal, making his poems just as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

One of the highlights of this book is Gray's famous Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard. This elegy is a masterpiece, beautifully capturing the human experience and evoking a sense of contemplation and introspection. Gray's attention to detail and his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words create a somber and melancholic atmosphere, enabling readers to reflect on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death.

Another notable poem in this collection is Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Goldfishes. Unlike the solemn tone of the Elegy, this poem showcases Gray's skill in satire and his witty sense of humor. Through playful and often humorous language, he tells the story of a mischievous cat's demise, blending light-heartedness with underlying social commentary.

What makes this anthology truly special is the diversity of themes and styles found within Gray's works. From odes to elegies, his range as a poet is apparent, showcasing his versatility and mastery of different forms. Whether he is reflecting on nature, exploring the complexities of human emotion, or offering social commentary, Gray's poetic voice remains authentic and evocative throughout.

Additionally, this edition of Select Poems of Thomas Gray provides ample footnotes and explanations to enhance readers' understanding and appreciation of the poems. These additions help shed light on Gray's historical context, literary influences, and the significance of his works in the broader world of literature.

In conclusion, Select Poems of Thomas Gray is a remarkable collection that showcases the genius of Thomas Gray. Through his evocative language, poignant themes, and thought-provoking insights, Gray's poems have a lasting impact on readers, transcending time and connecting with our own experiences. This anthology is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the works of a truly gifted poet.

First Page:

SELECT POEMS OF THOMAS GRAY.

EDITED, WITH NOTES, BY WILLIAM J. ROLFE, A.M., FORMERLY HEAD MASTER OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, CAMBRIDGE, MASS.

WITH ENGRAVINGS .

NEW YORK : HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1883.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

PREFACE.

Many editions of Gray have been published in the last fifty years, some of them very elegant, and some showing considerable editorial labor, but not one, so far as I am aware, critically exact either in text or in notes. No editor since Mathias (A.D. 1814) has given the 2d line of the Elegy as Gray wrote and printed it; while Mathias's mispunctuation of the 123d line has been copied by his successors, almost without exception. Other variations from the early editions are mentioned in the notes.

It is a curious fact that the most accurate edition of Gray's collected poems is the editio princeps of 1768, printed under his own supervision. The first edition of the two Pindaric odes, The Progress of Poesy and The Bard (Strawberry Hill, 1757), was printed with equal care, and the proofs were probably read by the poet. The text of the present edition has been collated, line by line, with that of these early editions, and in no instance have I adopted a later reading... Continue reading book >>




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