Subject
Poetry -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Aristotle
The Poetics of Aristotle
"The Poetics of Aristotle" by Aristotle is a philosophical treatise written around 335 BCE. This earliest surviving work of Greek dramatic theory examines poetry as an art of imitation, focusing primarily on tragedy, epic, and comedy. Aristotle analyzes how these genres differ in rhythm, character, and narrative presentation, establishing foundational concepts like catharsis and dramatic structure. Though only the section on tragedy and epic survives, this text became a cornerstone of Western literary criticism, influencing centuries of debate about storytelling and artistic creation.
Philip Sidney
A Defence of Poesie and Poems
"A Defence of Poesie and Poems" by Philip Sidney is a work of literary criticism written around 1580 and published in 1595. Sidney argues that poetry surpasses both history and philosophy in inspiring readers toward virtue by combining historical liveliness with ethical purpose. Responding to attacks on poetry, including Stephen Gosson's critique of the English stage, Sidney defends poetry's noble place in society through its power to teach and delight. This groundbreaking essay became England's first philosophical defense of imaginative literature during the Renaissance.
Alexander Pope
An Essay on Criticism
"An Essay on Criticism" by Alexander Pope is a major poem published in 1711. Composed in heroic couplets, this verse essay examines how writers and critics should behave in the literary world of Pope's time. The poem offers advice on good criticism while warning against common faults, emphasizing imitation of ancient writers like Homer and Virgil as the ultimate standard for taste. It's the source of enduring quotations including "To err is human; to forgive, divine" and "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
Aristotle
Aristotle on the art of poetry
"Aristotle on the art of poetry" by Aristotle is a philosophical treatise written around 335 BCE. This earliest surviving work of Greek dramatic theory examines poetry's fundamental nature, focusing on tragedy, comedy, and epic verse. Aristotle explores how these genres imitate life through differences in rhythm, character, and narrative presentation. The text analyzes tragedy's essential elements—including plot construction, character development, and the experience of catharsis through fear and pity. It distinguishes poetic truth from historical fact, arguing poetry reveals universal possibilities rather than particular events.
Aristotle
Über die Dichtkunst beim Aristoteles Neu übersetzt und mit Einleitung und einem erklärenden Namen- und Sachverzeichnis versehen von Alfred Gudemann 1921
"Über die Dichtkunst beim Aristoteles" by Aristotle is a treatise written around 335 BCE that examines poetry and its forms. Aristotle defines poetry through the concept of mimesis—artistic imitation of human action—and analyzes tragedy, epic, and other dramatic arts. The work emphasizes how tragedy achieves emotional catharsis through its structure rather than spectacle. He identifies six essential elements of tragedy, with plot being paramount. The text survives incompletely; a second book on comedy has been lost to history.
Joseph Trapp
Lectures on Poetry Read in the Schools of Natural Philosophy at Oxford
"Lectures on Poetry" by Joseph Trapp is a scholarly work written in the mid-18th century. This collection of lectures, delivered at Oxford, explores the art and principles of poetry, emphasizing its significance and the depth of its craft. The book is likely to appeal to readers interested in the study of literature, particularly those who seek to understand the rules and aesthetic values that underpin poetic expression. The opening of the text sets the stage for Trapp’s exploration of poetry as an esteemed and noble pursuit that merits serious study in academia. He expresses gratitude to those responsible for establishing this academic position and recognizes the complex nature of poetry, highlighting its historical, philosophical, and aesthetic dimensions. Trapp argues that poetry is not only an art form that imitates nature and human emotion but also holds deep connections to morality, virtue, and the divine. He addresses the challenges of defining poetry while preparing to delve into specific genres and principles, suggesting that poetry serves both to instruct and to delight its audience—a theme that will likely resonate throughout the lectures.
George Puttenham
The Arte of English Poesie
"The Arte of English Poesie" by George Puttenham is a treatise on the principles of poetry written in the late 16th century. This work explores the nature and purpose of poetry, defining the roles of poets and the various forms of poetic expression, while also arguing for the legitimacy of English poetry in the same regard as Latin and Greek poetry. Puttenham seeks to establish poetry as a noble art, essential for civil society and moral instruction. At the start of the text, the author introduces the concept of a poet as a "maker" and discusses the divine qualities imbued in the art of poetry, asserting that it encompasses both creation and imitation. He emphasizes the historical significance of poets as foundational figures in early civilizations, claiming they were the first priests, legislators, and philosophers. There is a clear call to recognize poetry as both an art form with rules and regulations and a vital vehicle for moral instruction, reflective of cultural values and human experience. Through rich examples, he sets the stage for a deeper examination of poetic forms, their functions, and their historical evolution.
Unknown
Genesis A : $b Translated from the Old English
"Genesis A: Translated from the Old English" by Lawrence Mason and Albert S. Cook is a translation of an Old English poem written in the early 20th century. This work provides an accessible version of a lengthy versified paraphrase of the Biblical Book of Genesis, particularly focusing on themes of creation, sin, and divine retribution, which are pivotal in the Christian narrative. The translation seeks to present the original poem's literary qualities to modern readers while maintaining fidelity to the content. The opening of "Genesis A" outlines the creation narrative and the fall of angels led by a prideful figure. The text begins with a salutation praising God as the eternal ruler, emphasizing His omnipotence and the joy of the angels who once lived in harmony with Him. The narrative quickly shifts to the rebellion of the angels, their subsequent punishment, and the creation of the earth as a new home for humanity following the void left by their fall. The text sets forth the themes of good versus evil and divine judgment, illustrating the consequences of pride and sin, which will develop further in the retelling of the Genesis story.
Anonymous
The Interlude of Wealth and Health
"The Interlude of Wealth and Health" by Anonymous is a play written during the late 16th century. This work falls under the category of interlude, a type of theatrical performance popular in England at that time. The play explores themes of wealth, health, and liberty, highlighting their interconnectedness and the moral implications of each in the context of society. The plot centers on a dialogue between the personifications of Wealth and Health, with the former boasting of its importance in society while the latter warns of the transience of material riches without good health. As the characters debate, they bring in Liberty, who adds further complexity to their discussions. Another significant character, Remedy, enters to offer guidance and support, implying that the balance of these aspects is crucial for true well-being and happiness. The play ultimately serves as a moral lesson emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and virtue over mere material wealth, encouraging a harmonious existence among these essential elements of life.
Aristotle
Runousoppi
"Runousoppi" by Aristotle is a philosophical treatise written around 335 BCE. This pioneering work examines the art of poetry, focusing primarily on dramatic forms including tragedy, comedy, and epic. Aristotle analyzes how these genres imitate life through differences in rhythm, character, and narrative presentation. The surviving text concentrates on tragedy's construction, introducing influential concepts like catharsis and exploring what makes poetry philosophically superior to history. This foundational work established principles for literary criticism that continue to shape Western understanding of dramatic art.
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