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American poetry -- Collections Books

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Golden Numbers: A Book of Verse for Youth

"Golden Numbers: A Book of Verse for Youth" by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora Archibald Smith is a collection of poetry aimed at young readers, likely compiled in the early 20th century. The anthology is designed to introduce children to a variety of poems that cover themes of nature, seasons, and youth, featuring works from prominent poets such as William Shakespeare, Robert Southey, and John Milton. Through its curated selection, the book seeks to inspire a love for poetry and engage children's imaginations. The opening of "Golden Numbers" presents an introductory note that addresses the value of poetry and the beauty of its language while setting the stage for the themes explored in the collection. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing a love for poetry, capturing how poets interpret the mysteries and wonders of the world through their art. The section introduces "A Chanted Calendar," which highlights the beauty of each season through various verses, invoking vivid imagery that illustrates the transition throughout the year and encourages an appreciation for Nature's artistry. This opening establishes the collection's intention to resonate with youthful readers and foster their understanding of poetic expression.

Various

Poems Teachers Ask For
 Selected by readers of "Normal Instructor-Primary Plans"

"Poems Teachers Ask For" by Various is a collection of poetry compiled in response to reader requests, likely produced in the early 20th century. This anthology features poems frequently sought by educators for inclusion in a magazine aimed at teachers, highlighting works that support the educational curriculum and resonate with both students and teachers. The poems range in theme and style, making the collection a valuable resource for those in the teaching profession. The beginning of this collection outlines its purpose, explaining that the poems were selected based on their popularity among readers of the "Normal Instructor-Primary Plans." The introduction conveys a sense of community and demand for these classic works, which include famous poems by notable authors like Walt Whitman and John Greenleaf Whittier. The opening portion also provides insight into the types of poems featured, such as those meant for memorization or recitation in schools, making it clear that the anthology serves as an important tool in enhancing literary appreciation in educational settings.

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The Posy Ring: A Book of Verse for Children

"The Posy Ring: A Book of Verse for Children" by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora Archibald Smith is a delightful collection of poetry aimed at young readers, published in the early 20th century. This charming anthology features a variety of verses that explore themes such as nature, seasons, and the whimsical thoughts of childhood, making it an enchanting read for both children and their parents. At the start of the collection, readers are introduced to a selection of poems celebrating the different seasons, beginning with a joyful greeting for the New Year and following through the beauty and bounty of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The verses evoke imagery of blooming flowers, chirping birds, and the changing landscape, creating a vivid portrait of nature's cycles. Characters such as dandelions and various children are portrayed, bringing to life their innocent wonder and delight in the world around them, setting a warm, nurturing tone for the entire book.

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Story-Telling Ballads
 Selected and Arranged for Story-Telling and Reading Aloud and for the Boys' and Girls' Own Reading

"Story-Telling Ballads" by Frances Jenkins Olcott is a collection of ballads and narrative poems curated for young readers, written in the early 20th century. This compilation features 77 ballads, drawing from traditional lore, legends, and adventures from various cultures, tailored for children aged twelve to fifteen. The chosen selections aim to capture the imagination of youthful audiences with stirring tales of heroism, magic, and romance. At the start of the text, readers are introduced to the purpose of the collection and the nature of the ballads included. The foreword discusses how ballads historically served as a mode of storytelling that enthralls young listeners with themes of chivalry, love, and adventure. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of these narratives in both entertaining children and imparting life lessons. The opening highlights the rich diversity of characters and stories awaiting the reader, as well as the significance of ballads in nurturing a love for literature and learning.

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Rainbow gold; poems old and new selected for boys and girls

"Rainbow Gold; Poems Old and New Selected for Boys and Girls" by Sara Teasdale is a collection of poetry compiled in the early 20th century. The anthology features a variety of lyrical poems that have been chosen specifically for children, aiming to engage and delight young readers. Teasdale's selection emphasizes the enchanting and imaginative qualities of poetry, creating an enticing introduction for boys and girls to the world of verse. The opening of the collection presents a heartfelt preface wherein Sara Teasdale shares her inspiration and motivations behind compiling the selected poems. She reflects on the memories of her own childhood and the joy that poetry brought her, emphasizing how it can serve as an essential companion for children. Teasdale discusses the challenges in curating a memorable yet compact anthology, indicating her intention to include poems that resonate with a child's enjoyment, transport them to vibrant realms and evoke emotions without being overly sentimental or didactic.

Various

Poems Teachers Ask For, Book Two

"Poems Teachers Ask For, Book Two" by Various is a collection of poems written likely in the early 20th century. This anthology contains over two hundred selections that have been requested by readers of the magazine "Normal Instructor-Primary Plans." The poems, notable for their variety and emotional depth, cover a wide range of topics including love, loss, nature, and societal themes, making them suitable for educational settings and personal reflection alike. The beginning of this collection presents an extensive index of poem titles along with their authors, highlighting well-known poets such as Edgar Allan Poe, Rudyard Kipling, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The preface offers insight into the anthology's purpose: to fulfill the demand for specific poems favored by educators. The opening pieces convey themes of home, the sadness of abandonment, the beauty of nature, and the resilience of spirit, setting the stage for diverse emotional experiences that the reader can anticipate throughout the volume.

Plattsburgh Barracks (N.Y.)

Rookie rhymes, by the men of the 1st and 2nd provisional training regiments, Plattsburg, New York

"Rookie Rhymes" by the men of the 1st and 2nd provisional training regiments, Plattsburg, New York, is a collection of humorous poems and songs written during the early 20th century, specifically in the context of World War I preparations, from May to August 1917. The book serves as a lighthearted portrayal of military life and the experiences encountered by new recruits as they undergo training and prepare for potential deployment. The content of "Rookie Rhymes" revolves around the everyday trials and tribulations faced by soldiers at the Plattsburgh training camp. Through witty and engaging verses, the authors capture the absurdities of military life, including standing in long lines for various reasons, the challenges of drill and discipline, and the camaraderie among the troops. Each poem provides a unique perspective on soldiering, from the mundane frustrations to moments of introspection and humor, reflecting a blend of patriotism and the human experience of awaiting the unknown that comes with war. Overall, the collection highlights the spirit of the rookies filled with both anxiety and optimism as they prepare for their roles in the larger conflict.

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