Poetry, arguably, has a greater range of conceptual meaning than perhaps any other term in English. At the most basic level everyone can recognize it–it is a kind of literature that uses special linguistic devices of organization and expression for aesthetic effect. However, far grander claims have been made for poetry than this — such as Shelley’s that the poets “are the unacknowledged legislators of the world,” and that poetry is “a higher truth.”
In this Very Short Introduction Bernard O’Donoghue provides a fascinating look at the many different forms of writing which have been called “poetry” — from the Greeks to the present day. As well as questioning what poetry is, he asks what poetry is for, and considers contemporary debates on its value. Is there a universality to poetry? And does it have a duty of public utility and responsibility? ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Author: Bernard O’Donoghue
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 12/01/2019
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 168
Weight: 0.3lbs
Size: 6.80h x 4.40w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780199229116
Language: English
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