Subject
English poetry -- 20th century Books
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Kathleen Montgomery Wallace
Lost city : $b Verses
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Georgian poetry, 1920-22
"Georgian poetry, 1920-22" by Sir Edward Howard Marsh et al. is an anthology published in 1922. This fifth and final volume of the Georgian Poetry series showcases English poets writing during King George V's reign. The collection features twenty-five poets including Edmund Blunden, Robert Graves, D. H. Lawrence, and Vita Sackville-West. These poets positioned themselves between Victorian classicism and Modernism, embracing romanticism and progressive ideals while critics later viewed them as conservative. This anthology captures a pivotal moment in English poetry before modernism's dominance.
Wilfred Owen
Poems
"Poems by Wilfred Owen" is a collection of war poetry published posthumously in the early 20th century, encompassing the poignant and tragic themes surrounding World War I. Written mainly during Owen's time as a soldier, the poems delve deeply into the horrors of combat, the futility of war, and the emotional and physical scars it leaves on individuals and society. Owen's work stands out for its stark realism and empathetic portrayal of soldiers' experiences, making it a critical commentary on the glorification of war. The collection contains notable poems such as "Dulce et Decorum est," which contrasts the romanticism often associated with warfare with the brutal reality faced by soldiers, and "Anthem for Doomed Youth," which mourns the loss of life in battle while critiquing the lack of traditional mourning rituals for fallen soldiers. Owen's poems reflect both personal grief and broader societal themes, using vivid imagery and innovative language to capture the trauma and disillusionment of a generation. The collection ultimately serves as a powerful testament to the human cost of war, advocating for remembrance and compassion over heroism and glory.
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Modern British Poetry
"Modern British Poetry" by Louis Untermeyer is a comprehensive anthology of poetry written in the late 19th to early 20th century. This collection encapsulates various styles and notable poets from this transformative period in British literature, providing readers with a wide array of voices and themes. The book features established figures like Thomas Hardy and W. B. Yeats, as well as works from lesser-known but impactful poets, all reflecting the dynamic changes that literature underwent during this time. The beginning of the volume sets the stage for an exploration of modern British poetry, discussing the decline of Victorian ideals and the emergence of new artistic expressions. Untermeyer presents an introduction that outlines significant literary trends, such as the aesthetic movement led by Oscar Wilde and the Celtic revival spearheaded by William Butler Yeats. This opening section establishes a contextual framework for the poems that follow, providing insight into how the cultural and artistic climate of the era shaped the works included in the anthology. Through an overview of these influences, the text invites readers to appreciate the evolution of poetic forms and the thematic richness that characterizes modern British poetry.
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The New Poetry: An Anthology
"The New Poetry: An Anthology" edited by Harriet Monroe and Alice Corbin Henderson is a collection of contemporary poetry written in the early 20th century. This anthology aims to capture the essence of the emerging voices in poetry during this period, reflecting a significant shift from traditional poetic forms to a new, more modern approach to expression. The editors intend to showcase poets who embrace a style that favors simplicity, emotional authenticity, and a direct engagement with contemporary life and themes. The opening of the anthology begins with an introduction discussing the resurgence of poetry and the editors’ goal to present the work of poets who are contributing to this "new poetry." The introduction sets the stage by highlighting the distinct differences between traditional poetry and the contemporary movement focused on realism and immediacy. It emphasizes a desire for a more honest engagement with the world, abandoning overly ornate language for a style that resonates with contemporary readers. As the anthology unfolds, it includes a variety of poets and poems, showcasing a rich tapestry of styles and themes that collectively represent the vitality of the poetic spirit during this transformative era.
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Poems from Punch, 1909-1920
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D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
Birds, Beasts and Flowers Poems by D. H. Lawrence
"Birds, Beasts and Flowers" by D. H. Lawrence is a collection of poetry first published in 1923. Written across multiple continents—from Florence to Sicily, Ceylon, Australia, and New Mexico—these poems explore the profound 'otherness' of the non-human world. Lawrence organizes his verses into thematic sections spanning fruits, trees, flowers, creatures, reptiles, birds, and animals, prefacing many with quotations from Greek philosophy. The collection captures his wandering observations of nature's mysteries during his years abroad.
D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
Love Poems and Others
"Love Poems and Others" by D. H. Lawrence is a collection of poetry written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of love, passion, and the complexities of human relationships, reflecting Lawrence's characteristic lyrical style intertwined with deep emotional exploration. It captures the essence of an era marked by shifting societal norms and personal introspections. The collection is divided into several sections, featuring both love poems and dialect poems that delve into various emotional landscapes. Lawrence's work exemplifies raw emotion—a grappling with the intensity of love and the ambivalence that often accompanies it. For instance, poems like "Wedding Morn" and "Kisses in the Train" evoke moments of intimacy and desire, while others, like "Cruelty and Love" and "Coldness in Love," reveal the darker, more tumultuous sides of relationships. Through vivid imagery and passionate language, Lawrence navigates the complexities of yearning, fulfillment, and the intricate dance of human connection, making this collection a profound exploration of love in its many forms.
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Selections from Modern Poets Made by J. C. Squire
"Selections from Modern Poets" by Sir John Collings Squire is an anthology of contemporary poetry compiled in the early 20th century. It focuses on a selection of modern poets who were alive and writing by 1919, showcasing their lyrical works while noting the absence of several prominent figures. The collection aims to reflect the vibrant flowering of poetic expression in the early 20th century, emphasizing the beauty and significance of shorter lyrical poems. The opening of the anthology sets the stage for Squire's curation, providing a preface that explains his subjective choice of poets and the criteria that underpins his selections. He outlines his belief in the merit of the included poems, expressing a desire to highlight the unique lyrical qualities of his chosen poets while acknowledging the limits of his collection. Squire also raises rhetorical questions about the lack of ambitious large-scale works in contemporary poetry and reflects on the nature of poetic recognition—highlighting those poets who thrive on lyrical brevity and depth. The introductory remarks establish the context for the rich array of verses that follow, inviting readers to engage with the lyrical exploration of human thought and experience.
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Georgian Poetry 1916-1917
"Georgian Poetry 1916-1917" by Sir Edward Howard Marsh is a collection of contemporary poetry reflecting the sentiments of the early 20th century, particularly during the period of World War I. As a significant anthology, it captures the voices of various poets from the younger generation, mingling their themes of war, loss, love, and nature amidst the evolving literary landscape of that time. The opening portion of the collection provides a prefatory note and reveals the inclusion of works from eighteen poets. It highlights the shift toward new voices while retaining some familiar ones, all presented with a focus on accessibility and appreciation for the contemporary literary movement. Notable contributions come from poets like W.J. Turner and Siegfried Sassoon, showcasing powerful imagery and emotional depth through themes of war and existential reflections. This introductory segment sets the stage for a diverse assortment of poems, offering readers a glimpse into the poignant expressions of the era and inviting them to explore the rich tapestry of human emotions intertwined with the backdrop of conflict and personal introspection.
Rudyard Kipling
Debits and credits
"Debits and Credits" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection published in 1926. This volume gathers fourteen stories, nineteen poems, and two play scenes that range from retellings of ancient tales to accounts of World War I's impact. The stories explore diverse settings—from Sussex villages to medieval abbeys, from school pranks to wartime trenches. Kipling examines themes of love, loss, duty, and human resilience, while some poems playfully imitate the Roman poet Horace. The collection showcases Kipling's versatility across genres and subjects.
Alice Meynell
The Poems of Alice Meynell
"The Poems of Alice Meynell" by Alice Meynell is a collection of poetry published in the early 20th century. This complete edition encompasses her entire body of poetic work, including early pieces and later poems that reflect a profound engagement with themes of nature, love, spirituality, and the complexity of human experience. Through her verses, Meynell's lyrical style seeks to capture both the beauty and the melancholy inherent in the world around her. At the start of the collection, the opening poem, "In Early Spring," sets a tone of introspection and connection with nature. The speaker expresses a deep understanding of the seasonal changes, imbued with a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for new life. Meynell blends personal emotions with vivid imagery of nature, contemplating the mysteries of life and the rhythms of the universe. The subsequent poems, such as "To the Beloved" and "An Unmarked Festival," continue to navigate themes of love and the passage of time, suggesting a continuous dialogue between human emotions and the external world. Through this rich exploration, Meynell invites readers into her poetic universe, where each poem acts as a reflection on the interplay between the individual and the greater tapestry of existence.
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