Selections from Five English Poets By: Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth) Litchfield (1854-)
Mary E. Litchfield's Selections from Five English Poets offers readers a delightful anthology of poetry that showcases the brilliance and diversity of five esteemed English poets. Throughout the pages, Litchfield masterfully curates a collection of verses that captures the essence of each poet's unique style and voice. The book begins with the enchanting works of John Milton, whose epic poem "Paradise Lost" immediately captivates with its intricate metaphors and deep philosophical reflections. Litchfield expertly selects passages that highlight Milton's ability to evoke powerful emotions while delving into complex themes of sin, redemption, and the human condition. As the reader progresses, they are introduced to the lyrical and romantic poetry of Alexander Pope. Litchfield thoughtfully includes Pope's famous satirical works, such as "The Rape of the Lock," which cleverly mocks the social and cultural norms of the time. Pope's razor-sharp wit and elegant verse shine throughout, leaving a lasting impression on readers. The anthology takes an artistic turn with the inclusion of William Blake's visionary and mystical works. Litchfield skillfully presents a carefully curated selection that explores Blake's unique blend of spirituality and social commentary. From the divine illustrations of "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" to the enigmatic verses of "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell," Blake's poetry reveals a mind that embraces both the light and dark aspects of human existence. Moving forward, Litchfield introduces readers to the profound and introspective poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. With selections from renowned works like "In Memoriam A.H.H." and "The Lady of Shalott," Litchfield captures Tennyson's mastery of both vivid imagery and emotional depth. Tennyson's verses lull readers into a dreamlike state, inviting contemplation and introspection. The anthology concludes with the brilliant works of Robert Browning, known for his dramatic monologues and exploration of the human psyche. Litchfield skillfully highlights Browning's ability to give voice to a range of characters, showcasing his versatility as a poet. From the haunting lament of "My Last Duchess" to the passionate declarations of love in "How Do I Love Thee?" from his wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, readers are left in awe of Browning's ability to deeply touch the human heart. Overall, Selections from Five English Poets is an exceptional anthology that effortlessly brings together the works of some of the greatest English poets. Mary E. Litchfield's meticulous selection and insightful commentary make this book a valuable resource for both poetry enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Whether diving into the profound musings of Milton or reveling in the romantic verses of Tennyson, this anthology is a testament to the enduring power of English poetry and its abiding ability to resonate with readers across generations. First Page: SELECTIONS FROM FIVE ENGLISH POETS EDITED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY MARY E. LITCHFIELD 1902 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION I. DRYDEN A SONG FOR ST. CECILIA'S DAY II. GRAY ELEGY WRITTEN IN A COUNTRY CHURCHYARD III. GOLDSMITH THE TRAVELLER THE DESERTED VILLAGE IV. BURNS THE COTTER'S SATURDAY NIGHT V. COLERIDGE THE ANCIENT MARINER INTRODUCTION When a poem is read aloud it is easy to realize that poetry is closely related to music. Like music it awakens vague, mysterious feelings which cannot be expressed in ordinary speech; and the person who fails to catch the subtle melody of a poem gets but little from it even though he understands perfectly the meaning of the words. To illustrate this, put into commonplace prose a passage of beautiful verse, for instance, lines 358 372 of The Ancient Mariner , beginning, "Sometimes a dropping from the sky," and then compare the prose version with the original. The two will be found as unlike as the flower after it has been dissected by the botanist, and the same flower still on the stalk, opening its petals to the morning sun. The Greeks divided all poetry into three kinds, lyric, epic, and dramatic poetry, and there is no better general division... Continue reading book >>

Selections from Five English Poets By: Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth) Litchfield (1854-)

Mary E. Litchfield's Selections from Five English Poets offers readers a delightful anthology of poetry that showcases the brilliance and diversity of five esteemed English poets. Throughout the pages, Litchfield masterfully curates a collection of verses that captures the essence of each poet's unique style and voice.

The book begins with the enchanting works of John Milton, whose epic poem "Paradise Lost" immediately captivates with its intricate metaphors and deep philosophical reflections. Litchfield expertly selects passages that highlight Milton's ability to evoke powerful emotions while delving into complex themes of sin, redemption, and the human condition.

As the reader progresses, they are introduced to the lyrical and romantic poetry of Alexander Pope. Litchfield thoughtfully includes Pope's famous satirical works, such as "The Rape of the Lock," which cleverly mocks the social and cultural norms of the time. Pope's razor-sharp wit and elegant verse shine throughout, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

The anthology takes an artistic turn with the inclusion of William Blake's visionary and mystical works. Litchfield skillfully presents a carefully curated selection that explores Blake's unique blend of spirituality and social commentary. From the divine illustrations of "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" to the enigmatic verses of "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell," Blake's poetry reveals a mind that embraces both the light and dark aspects of human existence.

Moving forward, Litchfield introduces readers to the profound and introspective poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. With selections from renowned works like "In Memoriam A.H.H." and "The Lady of Shalott," Litchfield captures Tennyson's mastery of both vivid imagery and emotional depth. Tennyson's verses lull readers into a dreamlike state, inviting contemplation and introspection.

The anthology concludes with the brilliant works of Robert Browning, known for his dramatic monologues and exploration of the human psyche. Litchfield skillfully highlights Browning's ability to give voice to a range of characters, showcasing his versatility as a poet. From the haunting lament of "My Last Duchess" to the passionate declarations of love in "How Do I Love Thee?" from his wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, readers are left in awe of Browning's ability to deeply touch the human heart.

Overall, Selections from Five English Poets is an exceptional anthology that effortlessly brings together the works of some of the greatest English poets. Mary E. Litchfield's meticulous selection and insightful commentary make this book a valuable resource for both poetry enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Whether diving into the profound musings of Milton or reveling in the romantic verses of Tennyson, this anthology is a testament to the enduring power of English poetry and its abiding ability to resonate with readers across generations.

First Page:

SELECTIONS FROM

FIVE ENGLISH POETS

EDITED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES

MARY E. LITCHFIELD

1902

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

I. DRYDEN A SONG FOR ST. CECILIA'S DAY

II. GRAY ELEGY WRITTEN IN A COUNTRY CHURCHYARD

III. GOLDSMITH THE TRAVELLER THE DESERTED VILLAGE

IV. BURNS THE COTTER'S SATURDAY NIGHT

V. COLERIDGE THE ANCIENT MARINER

INTRODUCTION

When a poem is read aloud it is easy to realize that poetry is closely related to music. Like music it awakens vague, mysterious feelings which cannot be expressed in ordinary speech; and the person who fails to catch the subtle melody of a poem gets but little from it even though he understands perfectly the meaning of the words. To illustrate this, put into commonplace prose a passage of beautiful verse, for instance, lines 358 372 of The Ancient Mariner , beginning, "Sometimes a dropping from the sky," and then compare the prose version with the original. The two will be found as unlike as the flower after it has been dissected by the botanist, and the same flower still on the stalk, opening its petals to the morning sun.

The Greeks divided all poetry into three kinds, lyric, epic, and dramatic poetry, and there is no better general division... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth) Litchfield
Wikipedia – Selections from Five English Poets

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac