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Poems

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By: (1863-1952)

"Poems by George Santayana" is a collection of contemplative and introspective poetry that delves into themes of love, mortality, and the human experience. Santayana's lyrical verse is both poignant and philosophical, offering readers a glimpse into the inner workings of his complex mind.

The collection is divided into sections that explore different aspects of life and emotion, from the fleeting beauty of nature to the profound sadness of loss. Santayana's language is rich and evocative, drawing readers in with its imagery and depth.

Although some of the poems may be challenging to fully grasp on a first read, they reward careful consideration and reflection. Santayana's keen observations and thoughtful musings invite readers to contemplate their own existence and the world around them.

Overall, "Poems by George Santayana" is a thought-provoking and deeply moving collection that showcases the author's talent for weaving together words and ideas. It is a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the human soul and provoke thought, making it a must-read for lovers of literature and philosophy alike.

Book Description:
George Santayana was born in Spain, educated in Boston and taught at Harvard before returning to Europe to spend the last forty years of his life writing. He is primarily known as a philosopher, his five-volume The Life of Reason being his magnus opus. But he also wrote a successful novel, The Last Puritan, as well as plays, essays and poetry. During his time at Harvard he influenced many of his student including T.S. Eliot and Robert Frost.

Of these poems which he chose to collect together in this volume he says, "What I felt when I composed those verses could not have been rendered in any other form. Their sincerity is absolute, not only in respect to the thought which might be abstracted from them and expressed in prose, but also in respect to the aura of literary and religious associations which envelops them. . . . In one sense I think that my verses, mental and thin as their texture may be, represent a true inspiration, a true docility. . . . For as to the subject of these poems, it is simply my philosophy in the making." (From the Preface)

The collection consists of fifty sonnets, a few odes an a selection of miscellaneous poems. The volume concludes with as essay about Santayana by poet and literary critic Edmund Gosse who says of Santayana's poetry, "Only in solitude can soliloquies be appreciated, and Mr. Santayana is not an author for loud streets..."


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