Selected Poems of John Clare, Volume 2 is a wonderful collection of poems that showcase the talent and skill of John Clare as a poet. Clare's poems are rich with imagery and emotion, capturing the beauty and hardship of rural life in 19th century England.

The poems in this volume cover a wide range of subjects, from nature and the changing seasons to love and loss. Clare's writing is both poignant and powerful, drawing the reader in with its vivid descriptions and lyrical language.

One of the standout poems in this collection is "The Peasant Poet," which reflects on Clare's own struggles as a working-class poet trying to make a name for himself in a society that often overlooked voices like his. It is a moving and introspective piece that gives readers a glimpse into Clare's own thoughts and feelings.

Overall, Selected Poems of John Clare, Volume 2 is a must-read for fans of poetry and literature. Clare's work is both timeless and relevant, offering readers a window into the past while also resonating with contemporary themes and issues. I highly recommend this collection to anyone looking to explore the works of a truly talented and underrated poet.

Book Description:

John Clare (1793 – 1864) was a farm labourer in the village of Helpstone, Northamptonshire, who became arguably England’s greatest nature poet. He rose to fame when his ‘Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery’ was published in 1820. His language preserves many local dialect words in a mixture of classical forms and heart-felt love of country life and nature.

This volume comprises fifteen of his bird poems.