Every Man His Own Poet; Or, The Inspired Singer's Recipe Book

A cheeky, tongue‑in‑cheek handbook that treats verse‑making like a kitchen experiment, this work invites readers to laugh at the solemnity of high poetry while learning how to whisk together clichés, sentiment and a dash of satire. The author opens by declaring that every person can become their own poet, then sketches the “three stages” of poetry—from inspired genius to scientific method to outright trickery—setting the tone for a playful, almost culinary, approach to verse.

The heart of the book is a series of “recipes,” each one a witty step‑by‑step guide for producing a specific kind of poem, from a tired love ballad to a bombastic epic in the style of Tennyson, and even a mock‑satanic piece à la Byron. Readers will enjoy the gentle mockery, the clever historical references, and the underlying suggestion that poetry’s greatest pleasure is simply the freedom to craft something that delights oneself.