Century of Roundels by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a beautiful collection of poetry that showcases the author's mastery of the roundel form. With its strict rhyme scheme and meter, each poem is a perfect little gem that captures a moment or emotion in a concise and powerful way.

Swinburne's use of language is exquisite, with vivid imagery and evocative descriptions that bring each poem to life. His themes range from love and longing to nature and the passage of time, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that will resonate with readers.

While some may find the strict form of the roundel limiting, Swinburne's skill as a poet shines through in every line. His ability to convey profound thoughts and emotions in just a few short stanzas is truly impressive.

Overall, Century of Roundels is a must-read for any fan of poetry. Swinburne's talent and creativity are on full display in this collection, making it a timeless classic that will continue to captivate readers for years to come.

Book Description:
A roundel (not to be confused with the rondel) is a form of verse used in English language poetry devised by Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837–1909). It is a variation of the French rondeau form. It makes use of refrains, repeated according to a certain stylized pattern. A roundel consists of nine lines each having the same number of syllables, plus a refrain after the third line and after the last line. The refrain must be identical with the beginning of the first line: it may be a half-line, and rhymes with the second line. It has three stanzas and its rhyme scheme is as follows: A B A R ; B A B ; A B A R ; where R is the refrain. Swinburne had published a book A Century of Roundels. He dedicated these poems to his friend Christina Rossetti, who then started writing roundels herself, as evidenced by the following examples from her anthology of poetry: Wife to Husband; A Better Resurrection; A Life's Parallels; Today for me; It is finished; From Metastasio.