
This volume offers a thoughtful guide to the art of reading and understanding poetry, built around a three‑stage approach: the initial impression, the imaginative transformation, and the final expression. The author argues that this “genetic” method mirrors how poems develop in the mind, helping readers move beyond rigid formulas to a more intuitive appreciation of verse.
The book gives special attention to lyric poetry, reflecting contemporary interest in its varied forms, and includes practical notes and illustrations designed for classroom use. Readers will find suggestions for discussion, examples drawn from a wide range of poets, and references to recent critical works, all presented in clear, engaging prose that invites both the casual lover of poetry and the serious student to explore the hidden power of poetic language.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (455K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-06-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1860–1954
A longtime literary editor, teacher, and essayist, he helped shape American reading culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His writing ranges from criticism and biography to reflections on literature, nature, and everyday life.
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