Poetry By: Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch (1863-1944)
Poetry by Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch is a remarkable exploration of the power and beauty of verse. Although the title may seem generic, the content of this book is anything but. Quiller-Couch, known for his expertise in literature and his engaging writing style, expertly curates a collection of poems that spans a wide range of themes, styles, and emotions. One of the striking aspects of this collection is its diversity, as it includes works from various time periods and cultures. From well-known classics to more obscure pieces, Quiller-Couch presents a selection that showcases the evolution and richness of poetic expression throughout history. This breadth not only makes for captivating reading, but also allows readers to develop a deeper appreciation for the depth and breadth of poetry as an art form. The poems themselves are masterfully crafted and each one offers its own unique experience. Quiller-Couch has a keen eye for lyrical beauty, often selecting works that are rich in imagery, metaphor, and musicality. Whether it is the haunting elegies of Romantic poets or the playful wordplay of the Metaphysicals, each poem brings its own distinct flavor to the collection. In addition to the skillful curation, Quiller-Couch’s commentary adds an extra layer of insight and engagement. His annotations preceding each poem provide historical context, critical analysis, and personal reflections. This serves as a helpful guide for readers, especially those less familiar with poetry, as it elucidates the nuances and references that may otherwise be missed. One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of less celebrated poets alongside the established giants. Quiller-Couch’s championing of lesser-known voices ensures a more inclusive representation of the poetic tradition. This was particularly refreshing, as it introduced me to poets and works I had never encountered before, broadening my understanding of poetry as a whole. The only possible drawback of this collection is its sheer breadth, which may feel overwhelming for some readers. While this multitude of poems allows for a comprehensive exploration of different themes and styles, it may also be challenging to fully digest in one sitting. It is best approached with patience and a willingness to savor slowly, rather than rushing through. Ultimately, Poetry by Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch is an artful, comprehensive, and thought-provoking anthology that is sure to captivate poetry enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Through his deliberate curation and insightful commentary, Quiller-Couch presents an eclectic range of poems that reflect the profound and timeless nature of this literary form. First Page: POETRY By Arthur Quiller Couch "Trust in good verses then: They only shall aspire, When pyramids, as men Are lost i'the funeral fire." As the tale is told by Plato, in the tenth book of his Republic , one Er the son of Arminius, a Pamphylian, was slain in battle; and ten days afterwards, when they collected the bodies for burial, his body alone showed no taint of corruption. His relatives, however, bore it off to the funeral pile; and on the twelfth day, lying there, he returned to life and told them what he had seen in the other world. Many wonders he related concerning the dead, for example, with their rewards and punishments: but most wonderful of all was the great Spindle of Necessity which he saw reaching up into heaven with the planets revolving around it in whorls of graduated width and speed, yet all concentric and so timed that all complete the full circle punctually together. "The Spindle turns on the knees of Necessity: and on the rim of each whorl sits perched a Siren, who goes round with it, hymning a single note; the eight notes together forming one harmony." The fable is a pretty one: but Er the Pamphylian comes back to report no more than the one thing Man already grasps for a certainty amid his welter of guesswork about the Universe that its stability rests on ordered motion that the "firmament" stands firm on a balance of active and tremendous forces somehow harmoniously composed... Continue reading book >>

Poetry By: Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch (1863-1944)

Poetry by Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch is a remarkable exploration of the power and beauty of verse. Although the title may seem generic, the content of this book is anything but. Quiller-Couch, known for his expertise in literature and his engaging writing style, expertly curates a collection of poems that spans a wide range of themes, styles, and emotions.

One of the striking aspects of this collection is its diversity, as it includes works from various time periods and cultures. From well-known classics to more obscure pieces, Quiller-Couch presents a selection that showcases the evolution and richness of poetic expression throughout history. This breadth not only makes for captivating reading, but also allows readers to develop a deeper appreciation for the depth and breadth of poetry as an art form.

The poems themselves are masterfully crafted and each one offers its own unique experience. Quiller-Couch has a keen eye for lyrical beauty, often selecting works that are rich in imagery, metaphor, and musicality. Whether it is the haunting elegies of Romantic poets or the playful wordplay of the Metaphysicals, each poem brings its own distinct flavor to the collection.

In addition to the skillful curation, Quiller-Couch’s commentary adds an extra layer of insight and engagement. His annotations preceding each poem provide historical context, critical analysis, and personal reflections. This serves as a helpful guide for readers, especially those less familiar with poetry, as it elucidates the nuances and references that may otherwise be missed.

One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of less celebrated poets alongside the established giants. Quiller-Couch’s championing of lesser-known voices ensures a more inclusive representation of the poetic tradition. This was particularly refreshing, as it introduced me to poets and works I had never encountered before, broadening my understanding of poetry as a whole.

The only possible drawback of this collection is its sheer breadth, which may feel overwhelming for some readers. While this multitude of poems allows for a comprehensive exploration of different themes and styles, it may also be challenging to fully digest in one sitting. It is best approached with patience and a willingness to savor slowly, rather than rushing through.

Ultimately, Poetry by Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch is an artful, comprehensive, and thought-provoking anthology that is sure to captivate poetry enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Through his deliberate curation and insightful commentary, Quiller-Couch presents an eclectic range of poems that reflect the profound and timeless nature of this literary form.

First Page:

POETRY

Arthur Quiller Couch

"Trust in good verses then: They only shall aspire, When pyramids, as men Are lost i'the funeral fire."

As the tale is told by Plato, in the tenth book of his Republic , one Er the son of Arminius, a Pamphylian, was slain in battle; and ten days afterwards, when they collected the bodies for burial, his body alone showed no taint of corruption. His relatives, however, bore it off to the funeral pile; and on the twelfth day, lying there, he returned to life and told them what he had seen in the other world. Many wonders he related concerning the dead, for example, with their rewards and punishments: but most wonderful of all was the great Spindle of Necessity which he saw reaching up into heaven with the planets revolving around it in whorls of graduated width and speed, yet all concentric and so timed that all complete the full circle punctually together. "The Spindle turns on the knees of Necessity: and on the rim of each whorl sits perched a Siren, who goes round with it, hymning a single note; the eight notes together forming one harmony."

The fable is a pretty one: but Er the Pamphylian comes back to report no more than the one thing Man already grasps for a certainty amid his welter of guesswork about the Universe that its stability rests on ordered motion that the "firmament" stands firm on a balance of active and tremendous forces somehow harmoniously composed... Continue reading book >>

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