Subject
English poetry -- 19th century -- History and criticism Books
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English Critical Essays: Nineteenth Century
"English Critical Essays: Nineteenth Century" by Edmund D. Jones is a collection of essays focusing on English literary criticism from the 19th century. This compilation reflects the significant evolution of critical thought during that period, particularly emphasizing the transition from Neo-classical traditions toward Romantic principles in poetry and literary expression. A central theme includes the exploration of poetry's purpose, language, and its connection to emotion and nature. The opening of this work features a preface explaining its objectives in compiling critical essays that illustrate the landscape of literary thought during the 19th century. It highlights the importance of the Romantic Movement, sparked by key events like the publication of "Lyrical Ballads," and introduces prominent figures such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The essays included aim to discuss general principles of literary criticism rather than focus on specific authors or texts, with an intention to represent critiques of poetry's language and forms. Thus, this collection serves as both an anthology of 19th-century critical thought and a commentary on the changing nature of literature itself.
Lafcadio Hearn
Pre-Raphaelite and other Poets
"Pre-Raphaelite and Other Poets" by Lafcadio Hearn is a collection of critical lectures that explore notable poets of the late 19th century, particularly those associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Edited and selected by John Erskine, this volume serves as a compilation of Hearn's insightful analyses delivered to his students in Japan, capturing his deep appreciation for poets such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Algernon Charles Swinburne, and Robert Browning, among others. The book aims to provide a unique perspective on modern poetry through Hearn’s accessible yet profound commentary. At the start of the work, the introduction outlines the context of Hearn's lectures, emphasizing their importance as a resource for students of literature. Erskine remarks on Hearn's distinctive approach to criticism, highlighting how his simple yet insightful summaries helped illuminate the complex themes within the works of these poets. The opening portion also begins with Hearn's analysis of Rossetti, where he establishes the poet's unique position in Victorian literature, contrasting his medieval sensibilities with those of his contemporaries. Through detailed examinations of Rossetti's poetry, Hearn illustrates the emotional depth and architectural beauty inherent in the works he discusses, setting the stage for further explorations of the other poets featured in this collection.
John Drinkwater
Victorian Poetry
"Victorian Poetry" by John Drinkwater is an analytical exploration of the poetry from the Victorian era, likely written in the early 20th century. The work aims to provide readers with an insightful overview of the significant poets of the time, including Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Matthew Arnold, while discussing the stylistic and thematic characteristics that define Victorian poetry. The opening of the book provides context for its scope and methodology. The author acknowledges that while the book does not aspire to be exhaustive, it seeks to highlight key poets and their contributions. Drinkwater distinguishes between poets who belong specifically to the Victorian period and those, like Thomas Hardy, who, while active during that time, are more representative of later poetic movements. The introduction sets the stage for a discussion of the influences on Victorian poetry and hints at the exploration of different stylistic elements, laying a foundation for the upcoming chapters on diction, themes, and the evolving nature of poetry during the age.
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