The Bridling of Pegasus: Prose Papers on Poetry

A thoughtful collection of essays that brings the rigors of early‑twentieth‑century literary criticism into clear, conversational prose. Framed by the mythic image of Bellerophon’s golden bridle, the author uses the metaphor to explore how a disciplined guide can tame the wild impulses of poetic imagination. Each paper, drawn from three decades of reflection, examines the timeless questions of what truly makes verse “poetry” and how imagination transforms ordinary experience into the ideal.

The writer argues that poetry must possess musicality and clarity, rejecting works that are merely ornate or obscure. He defends enduring standards—rooted in long‑standing authority—against the modern flood of subjective opinions, insisting that greatness rests on a poem’s theme as much as its craft. Listeners will find a balanced blend of historical insight and practical guidance, offering a steady compass for anyone eager to understand the foundations of great verse.