
audiobook
SONGS OF THE SPRINGTIDES - BIRTHDAY ODE
THE COLLECTED POETICAL WORKS OF ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE, VOL. III - By - Algernon Charles Swinburne
SONGS OF THE SPRINGTIDES - BIRTHDAY ODE - By - Algernon Charles Swinburne - 1917 - LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN
SONGS OF THE SPRINGTIDES
SONGS OF THE SPRINGTIDES
DEDICATION - TO EDWARD JOHN TRELAWNY
THALASSIUS
ON THE CLIFFS
THE GARDEN OF CYMODOCE
BIRTHDAY ODE - FOR THE ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL OF VICTOR HUGO, FEBRUARY 26, 1880
A shimmering tide of verse opens the collection, a tribute to a fellow wanderer of sea and legend. Swinburne casts the north‑wind and frothy foam into a chorus of daring images, where mythic heroes glide beside ordinary shore‑walkers. The poems pulse with a restless energy that feels both celebratory and reverent, inviting listeners to trace the line where water meets sky.
In “Thalassius” and the “Birthday Ode,” the poet conjures a newborn spirit born of surf and sunlight, a child of fire and song who drinks the honeyed notes of the sea. The language swirls like a gale, mixing the scent of brine with the glow of summer flames, while the verses explore longing, memory and the fierce joy of artistic freedom. Each stanza glints with lyrical fireworks, turning the simple act of watching waves into a metaphysical rite.
Across the whole volume, Swinburne’s cadence carries listeners on a rolling, wind‑kissed journey. The rich, musical diction and vivid maritime tableau promise an immersive experience, perfect for anyone who loves poetry that sings as loudly as the ocean itself.
Full title
Songs of the Springtides and Birthday Ode Taken from The Collected Poetical Works of Algernon Charles Swinburne—Vol. III
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (83K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Paul Murray, Diane Monico, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net.
Release date
2006-04-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1837–1909
A daring Victorian poet with a gift for unforgettable rhythm, he became famous for verse that felt both musical and rebellious. His work helped make him one of the most distinctive voices linked to the Pre-Raphaelite movement.
View all books
by Algernon Charles Swinburne

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

by Algernon Charles Swinburne