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English Poets of the Eighteenth Century   By:

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English Poets of the Eighteenth Century is an insightful anthology edited by Ernest Bernbaum. With a keen understanding of the literary landscape of the time, the editor has carefully selected and presented a collection of poems that encapsulate the spirit and diversity of this remarkable period in English literature.

One of the standout features of this anthology is its comprehensive approach in showcasing the works of several prominent poets of the Eighteenth Century. From well-known figures such as Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and William Wordsworth, to lesser-known but equally talented poets like James Thomson and Thomas Gray, the book offers a wide range of voices and styles that collectively define the era.

Bernbaum's attention to detail is apparent throughout the book, as he provides informative introductions and contextual information before each poet's works, giving readers a deeper understanding of the poets' lives and the historical background in which they thrived. This not only enriches our reading experience but also serves as a valuable resource for those interested in delving deeper into the individual works of these poets.

The selection of poems itself is a testament to Bernbaum's astute curation skills. Loaded with some of the most famous and beloved poems of the era, the anthology effortlessly transports readers to the world of 18th-century England. From the biting wit and satire of Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" to the lyrical beauty of Gray's "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," every poem evokes a distinct mood and captures the essence of the period.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Bernbaum's inclusion of lesser-known poets and their works adds a refreshing dimension to the anthology. Poets like Anne Finch and Mary Leapor, who have often been overshadowed by their more renowned contemporaries, take center stage here, illuminating the diversity and breadth of poetry produced during this time. Their inclusion showcases the editor's commitment to offering a well-rounded representation of the period, going beyond the usual canon of poets.

In essence, English Poets of the Eighteenth Century is a meticulously organized and thoughtfully curated anthology that celebrates the brilliance of poets from this era. Ernest Bernbaum's expertise shines through in his selection of poems and in the valuable insight he provides. Whether one is a seasoned scholar or an avid poetry lover, this anthology is an excellent resource that captures the essence and significance of English poetry in the eighteenth century.

First Page:

ENGLISH POETS

OF THE

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

SELECTED AND EDITED WITH AN INTRODUCTION

BY

ERNEST BERNBAUM

PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

1918

PREFACE

The text of this collection of poetry is authentic and not bowdlerized. The general reader will, I hope, be gratified to find that its pages display no pedantic or scholastic traits. His pleasure in the poetry itself will not be distracted by a marginal numbering of the lines; by index figures and footnotes; or by antiquated peculiarities of spelling, capitalization, and elision. Except where literal conventions are essential to the poet's purpose, as in The Castle of Indolence, The Schoolmistress , or Chatterton's poems, I have followed modern usage. Dialect words are explained in the glossary; and the student who may wish to consult the context of any passage will find the necessary references in the unusually full table of contents. Whenever the title of a poem gives too vague a notion of its substance, or whenever its substance is miscellaneous, I have supplied [bracketed] captions for the extracts; except for these, there is nothing on the pages of the text besides the poets' own words.

Originality is not the proper characteristic of an anthologist, and in the choice of extracts I have rarely indulged my personal likings when they conflicted with time honored preferences; yet this anthology, the first published in a projected series of four or five volumes comprising the English poets from Elizabethan to Victorian times, has certain minor features that may be deemed objectionably novel... Continue reading book >>




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