Book Overview
Demystify and appreciate the pleasures of poetry
Sometimes it seems like there are as many definitions of poetry as there are poems. Coleridge defined poetry as "the best words in the best order." St. Augustine called it "the Devil's wine." For Shelley, poetry was "the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds." But no matter how you define it, poetry has exercised a hold upon the hearts and minds of people for more than five millennia. That's because for the attentive reader, poetry has the power to send chills shooting down the spine and lightning bolts flashing in the brain -- to throw open the doors of perception and hone our sensibilities to a scalpel's edge.
Sometimes it seems like there are as many definitions of poetry as there are poems. Coleridge defined poetry as "the best words in the best order." St. Augustine called it "the Devil's wine." For Shelley, poetry was "the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds." But no matter how you define it, poetry has exercised a hold upon the hearts and minds of people for more than five millennia. That's because for the attentive reader, poetry has the power to send chills shooting down the spine and lightning bolts flashing in the brain -- to throw open the doors of perception and hone our sensibilities to a scalpel's edge.
Poetry For Dummies is a great guide to reading and writing poems, not only for beginners, but for anyone interested in verse. From Homer to Basho, Chaucer to Rumi, Shelley to Ginsberg, it introduces you to poetry's greatest practitioners. It arms you with the tools you need to understand and appreciate poetry in all its forms, and to explore your own talent as a poet. Discover how to:
Understand poetic language and forms Interpret poems Get a handle on poetry through the ages Find poetry readings near you Write your own poems Shop your work around to publishersDon't know the difference between an iamb and a trochee? Worry not, this friendly guide demystifies the jargon, and it covers a lot more ground besides, including:
Understanding subject, tone, narrative; and poetic language Mastering the three steps to interpretation Facing the challenges of older poetry Exploring 5,000 years of verse, from Mesopotamia to the global village Writing open-form poetry Working with traditional forms of verse Writing exercises for aspiring poets Getting publishedFrom Sappho to Clark Coolidge, and just about everyone in between, Poetry For Dummies puts you in touch with the greats of modern and ancient poetry. Need guidance on composing a ghazal, a tanka, a sestina, or a psalm? This is the book for you.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0764552724
ISBN13:9780764552724
Release Date:May 2001
Publisher:For Dummies
Length:336 Pages
Weight:1.21 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 7.4" x 9.2"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Don't know a Haiku from an Achoo? This Book's for You!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
A few years ago I got in touch with my talent for writing poetry, and this book was one of the first I bought as a way to learn more about the variety of ways to write the little darlings. An informative introduction to the writing of poetry for anyone who wants to try their own hand at it. Easy to understand, detailed, and just plain fun to read.
A great read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
The authors have a gift for writing good simple prose as well as good poetry. Like others I had my doubts about this book but it was a surprise. It was so well written that I found it hard to put down. I've read it many times but still have it close by to aid me in my poetic jottings. What I liked best was their style of writing, very hip and trendy. It brings poetry into the 21st century.
Helpful for beginners!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
It's good for getting acquainted with some famous poets and some poetic forms. I'd recommend it for high school students. For those with basic knowledge of poetry and meters and scheme, I'd recommend "How to Read a Poem: and fall in love with poetry" by Edward Hirsch, which helps with the art of interpreting. But it's not as easy reading as this book (which I applaud for it simplicity).
Never Expected it to Be This Good.....
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Poetry for Dummies was another of those books I was really hoping I didn't like. The whole "For Dummies" series gets on my nerves to begin with, so it is double trouble when I picked this title up and found it valuable on so many counts.The opening section: Poetry 101 is an excellent read and in and of itself makes the book worth the purchase. Each chapter clearly marks the intent across the top and is chock filled with check lists, hints and suggestions for the reader AND the practicing (new and old alike) poet. I was thinking, "This will all be old hat, I am sure" until I saw the authors include the staff from The Poetry Center in San Francisco.What poet or poet-in-the-making doesn't nod, smile and point when we read this affirmation? "Poetry has more meaning, music and emotion per words, per syllable, per letter than any other kind of writing." (I could have sworn I heard an "Amen!" from the crowd or maybe... that was me.)The book also includes some very valuable appendices with websites and poetry organizations.Excellent resource for all poets and the people who love them. Check this one out.
Simplifying the Obscure in Poetry
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Poetry For Dummies is the first book of its kind to be readable, sensible and understandable. For the novice or the more proficient, it is a great source book. Lots of innovative ideas and suggestions as well as rock solid poetic info! The college course I took in Creative Poetry (an upper division course!) didn't give me the easy access and insight that this book did.Guess I qualify as a "Dummie!"
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