British Poetry Since the 16th Century

How often have students of poetry wished for a comprehensive guide through the right maze of British literary history? This book combines concise guidelines to the skills of practical criticism with a survey of British poetry from the Elizabethan sonnets of Sidney and Shakespeare to the modern work of Auden and Hughes. The techniques of poetic craft such as rhyme, rhythm and imagery are fully illustrated along with a close analysis of the selected poems of 23 poets. The reader is guided through the changing values and beliefs in society, politics, religion and art, and the preoccupations that characterized the various epochs are fully described. Containing a detailed chronological table, this book provides a lively introduction to all aspects of British poetry.