A History of English Versification

A comprehensive guide to the rhythms that have shaped English poetry, this work traces the evolution of meter from its medieval roots to the modern verse. Drawing on a respected German scholarship, the author offers a clear English rendering that balances rigorous analysis with readable explanations, making the intricate world of poetic patterns accessible to both students and avid lovers of verse.

The book is organized into two main sections: the first catalogues the various types of metrical lines, while the second explores the wide array of stanza forms. Detailed examples are marked with precise accents to illustrate scansion, and the systematic layout lets listeners quickly locate the form they encounter in any poem. Corrections and updates to earlier editions ensure the information reflects current understanding without overwhelming the audience.

Beyond the technical details, the author’s deep knowledge of English philology brings historical context to each pattern, revealing how poets have adapted and reinvented meter over centuries. Listeners will come away with a richer appreciation of the craft behind the poems they cherish, and a useful framework for analyzing verse on their own.