Tom Hood
Practical Guide to English Versification
With a Compendious Dictionary of Rhymes, an Examination
of Classical Measures, and Comments Upon Burlesque and
Comic Verse, Vers de Société, and Song-writing
"Practical Guide to English Versification" by Tom Hood is a comprehensive guide on the art of creating English verse written in the late 19th century. The book aims to teach the structural elements of versification rather than poetic creativity itself, providing rules and guidelines for constructing verse, along with an exploration of rhyme, rhythm, and various poetic forms. The opening of the book establishes its intention, clarifying that it does not seek to create poets but rather to educate individuals on the technical aspects of writing verse. The author emphasizes that while true poetic talent is innate, anyone can become an accomplished versifier through study and practice. Hood introduces concepts such as perfect rhymes and the accurate construction of lines, with an emphasis on maintaining rhythm and sound harmony, setting the stage for a detailed examination of the mechanics of English poetry throughout the subsequent chapters.