The Lyric An Essay By: John Drinkwater (1882-1937)
In "The Lyric: An Essay" by John Drinkwater, readers are taken on a profound exploration of the power of poetry and its ability to touch the human heart. With a refreshing blend of personal anecdotes, historical references, and insightful analysis, Drinkwater effectively conveys his deep appreciation for the art form. One of the book's standout features is Drinkwater's rich storytelling. He effortlessly weaves personal experiences into the narrative, sharing moments where he encountered the transformative nature of poetry. These anecdotes create a strong emotional connection, reminding readers of their own encounters with lyrical masterpieces and allowing them to resonate with the author's love for the craft. Moreover, Drinkwater employs historical examples to bolster his argument. By delving into the work of renowned lyricists from different eras, he successfully showcases the lasting impact of this genre. From Shakespeare's sonnets to Wordsworth's romantic verses, Drinkwater highlights the timeless quality of lyric poetry, demonstrating its ability to transcend time and captivate generations. The author's analytical prowess also shines through in this essay. Drinkwater dissects the essence of the lyric, probing its unique style and form. He delves into the importance of rhythm, imagery, and emotional resonance, shedding light on how these elements contribute to the power of a poetic piece. This meticulous examination allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the poetic process and the intricate nuances that make a lyric truly impactful. Although the book takes an academic approach at times, it remains accessible to a wide range of readers. Drinkwater's engaging prose style ensures that even those unfamiliar with poetry can easily grasp the concepts and ideas being discussed. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is contagious, making it difficult not to develop a newfound appreciation for the lyrical art form. "The Lyric: An Essay" is a valuable addition to any literary enthusiast's collection. Whether the reader is a dedicated poetry lover or a casual admirer, this book offers profound insights and a renewed understanding of the power of language. John Drinkwater's passionate and informed exploration of the lyric is a testament to the enduring beauty of poetry and its ability to touch the soul. First Page: THE LYRIC AN ESSAY BY JOHN DRINKWATER 1922 CONTENTS What is Poetry The Best Words in the Best Order The Degrees of Poetry Paradise Lost What is Lyric The Classification of Poetry Lyric Forms Song The Popularity of Lyric Conclusion WHAT IS POETRY? If you were to ask twenty intelligent people, "What is the Thames?" the answer due to you from each would be "a river." And yet this would hardly be matter to satisfy your enquiring mind. You would more probably say, "What do you know of the Thames?" or, "Describe the Thames to me." This would bring you a great variety of opinions, many dissertations on geological and national history, many words in praise of beauty, many personal confessions. Here would be the revelation of many minds approaching a great subject in as many manners, confirming and contradicting each other, making on the whole some impression of cumulative judgment, giving you many clues to what might be called the truth, no one of them by itself coming near to anything like full knowledge, and the final word would inevitably be left unsaid. The question, "What is poetry?" has been answered innumerable times, often by the subtlest and clearest minds, and as many times has it been answered differently. The answer in itself now makes a large and distinguished literature to which, full as it is of keen intelligence and even of constructive vision, we can return with unstaling pleasure... Continue reading book >>

The Lyric An Essay By: John Drinkwater (1882-1937)

In "The Lyric: An Essay" by John Drinkwater, readers are taken on a profound exploration of the power of poetry and its ability to touch the human heart. With a refreshing blend of personal anecdotes, historical references, and insightful analysis, Drinkwater effectively conveys his deep appreciation for the art form.

One of the book's standout features is Drinkwater's rich storytelling. He effortlessly weaves personal experiences into the narrative, sharing moments where he encountered the transformative nature of poetry. These anecdotes create a strong emotional connection, reminding readers of their own encounters with lyrical masterpieces and allowing them to resonate with the author's love for the craft.

Moreover, Drinkwater employs historical examples to bolster his argument. By delving into the work of renowned lyricists from different eras, he successfully showcases the lasting impact of this genre. From Shakespeare's sonnets to Wordsworth's romantic verses, Drinkwater highlights the timeless quality of lyric poetry, demonstrating its ability to transcend time and captivate generations.

The author's analytical prowess also shines through in this essay. Drinkwater dissects the essence of the lyric, probing its unique style and form. He delves into the importance of rhythm, imagery, and emotional resonance, shedding light on how these elements contribute to the power of a poetic piece. This meticulous examination allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the poetic process and the intricate nuances that make a lyric truly impactful.

Although the book takes an academic approach at times, it remains accessible to a wide range of readers. Drinkwater's engaging prose style ensures that even those unfamiliar with poetry can easily grasp the concepts and ideas being discussed. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is contagious, making it difficult not to develop a newfound appreciation for the lyrical art form.

"The Lyric: An Essay" is a valuable addition to any literary enthusiast's collection. Whether the reader is a dedicated poetry lover or a casual admirer, this book offers profound insights and a renewed understanding of the power of language. John Drinkwater's passionate and informed exploration of the lyric is a testament to the enduring beauty of poetry and its ability to touch the soul.

First Page:

THE LYRIC

AN ESSAY BY JOHN DRINKWATER

1922

CONTENTS

What is Poetry

The Best Words in the Best Order

The Degrees of Poetry

Paradise Lost

What is Lyric

The Classification of Poetry

Lyric Forms

Song

The Popularity of Lyric

Conclusion

WHAT IS POETRY?

If you were to ask twenty intelligent people, "What is the Thames?" the answer due to you from each would be "a river." And yet this would hardly be matter to satisfy your enquiring mind. You would more probably say, "What do you know of the Thames?" or, "Describe the Thames to me." This would bring you a great variety of opinions, many dissertations on geological and national history, many words in praise of beauty, many personal confessions. Here would be the revelation of many minds approaching a great subject in as many manners, confirming and contradicting each other, making on the whole some impression of cumulative judgment, giving you many clues to what might be called the truth, no one of them by itself coming near to anything like full knowledge, and the final word would inevitably be left unsaid.

The question, "What is poetry?" has been answered innumerable times, often by the subtlest and clearest minds, and as many times has it been answered differently. The answer in itself now makes a large and distinguished literature to which, full as it is of keen intelligence and even of constructive vision, we can return with unstaling pleasure... Continue reading book >>

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