
ON
PREFACE.
THE POETIC INTERPRETATION OF NATURE. - CHAPTER I. THE SOURCES OF POETRY.
CHAPTER II. THE POETIC FEELING AWAKENED BY THE WORLD OF NATURE.
CHAPTER III. POETIC AND SCIENTIFIC WONDER.
CHAPTER IV. WILL SCIENCE PUT OUT POETRY?
CHAPTER V. HOW FAR SCIENCE MAY MODIFY POETRY.
CHAPTER VI. THE MYSTICAL SIDE OF NATURE.
CHAPTER VII. PRIMEVAL IMAGINATION WORKING ON NATURE—LANGUAGE AND MYTHOLOGY.
CHAPTER VIII. SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH POETS DEAL WITH NATURE.
Born from a series of public lectures, this concise work invites listeners to explore the space where science ends and poetry begins. It argues that while chemistry, geology, and physiology can explain the mechanics of the world, they leave untouched the subtle dialogue between nature and the human imagination. The author suggests that poetry uniquely captures that hidden conversation, turning observation into feeling.
Drawing on well‑known verses, the author illustrates how the poetic mind awakens to the wonders of the natural world. Chapters trace themes such as the poetic feeling sparked by scenery, the interplay of scientific and artistic awe, and the mystical dimensions that lie beyond empirical description. Readers are guided to recognize the same landscape through both analytical and lyrical lenses.
Written for a youthful audience, the book offers an accessible yet thoughtful invitation to look more closely at everyday wonders. By blending familiar poetry with reflective commentary, it encourages a deeper, more appreciative gaze that enriches both mind and spirit.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (371K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: Houghton, Mifflin,1900.
Credits
Bryan Ness and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
May 13, 2022
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1819–1885
A Scottish poet, critic, and teacher, he brought a warm love of literature and landscape to both his writing and his lectures. Best known for his work at St Andrews and Oxford, he wrote with a reflective, humane style that still feels inviting.
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