Poetry doesn't matter to most people, observes Jay Parini at the
opening of this book. But, undeterred, he commences a deeply felt
meditation on poetry, its language and meaning, and its power to
open minds and transform lives. By the end of the book, Parini has
recovered a truth often obscured by our clamorous culture: without
poetry, we live only partially, not fully conscious of the
possibilities that life affords. Poetry indeed matters. A gifted
poet and acclaimed teacher, Parini begins by looking at defenses of
poetry written over the centuries. He ponders Aristotle, Horace,
and Longinus, and moves on through Sidney, Wordsworth, Coleridge,
Shelley, Eliot, Frost, Stevens, and others. Parini examines the
importance of poetic voice and the mysteries of metaphor. He argues
that a poet's originality depends on a deep understanding of the
traditions of political poetry, nature poetry, and religious
poetry. Writing with a casual grace, Parini avoids jargon and makes
his case in concise, direct terms: the mind of the poet supplies a
light to the minds of others, kindling their imaginations, helping
them to live their lives. The author's love of poetry suffuses this
insightful book--a volume for all readers interested in a fresh
introduction to the art that lies at the center of Western
civilization.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
