The Nile on eBay FREE SHIPPING UK WIDE Why Poetry Matters by Jay Parini
Examines the importance of the poetic voice and the mysteries of metaphor. This book argues that a poet's originality depends on a deep understanding of the traditions of political poetry, nature poetry, and religious poetry. It is suitable for those interested in a fresh introduction to an art that lies at the centre of Western civilization.
FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description
A brief, passionate book about the nature of poetry and its use in the worldPoetry 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.
Author Biography
Jay Parini, a poet, novelist, and biographer, is D. E. Axinn Professor of English at Middlebury College. Among his many books are five volumes of poetry, most recently The Art of Subtraction: New and Selected Poems. His poems, articles, and reviews appear regularly in such journals as the Atlantic, the New Yorker, Harper's, Poetry, the New York Times Book Review, the Guardian, and the Times Literary Supplement. He lives in Weybridge, VT.
Review
"With gentle insistence, Parini's book makes the case that poetry is worth reading—indeed, that it must be read—especially in a dark time like our own."—Christopher Benfey, author of Degas in New Orleans and The Great Wave"Jay Parini celebrates not simply poetry but glorious life itself. He shows that poetry can quicken the mind, purge damp melancholy from the cold heart, and spread goldenrod across fallen days."—Samuel Pickering, author of Autumn Spring and Letters to a Teacher"Concise, cogent, and convincing, Jay Parini clarifies a complex subject with common sense and uncommon insight. This is a book for both the newcomer and the old hand—a rousing and eloquent survey of an art that goes to the very center of our lives."—J. D. McClatchy"With the light touch and intelligent eye of a great teacher, Jay Parini makes this concise little book a marvel, plumbing the depths of the reasons for poetry and the underpinnings of the art from metaphor to vision, from nature to politics . Beginning with that notorious anti-poet Plato and stopping off for brief conversations with Shelley, Wordsworth, Stevens, Eliot and even Louise Glück, Parini gives us a generous, knowledgeable tour of why poetry matters to us now. Parini is a scintillating guide to the unfathomable, and he will be welcomed both by poets and by anyone intrigued—or baffled—by poetry. This is the perfect hip-pocket compendium of signposts to Poetryland."—Molly Peacock, poet and creative nonfiction writer, author of Cornucopia: New & Selected Poems.
Review Quote
"With gentle insistence, Parini's book makes the case that poetry is worth reading--indeed, that it must be read--especially in a dark time like our own."--Christopher Benfey, author of Degas in New Orleans and The Great Wave "Jay Parini celebrates not simply poetry but glorious life itself. He shows that poetry can quicken the mind, purge damp melancholy from the cold heart, and spread goldenrod across fallen days."--Samuel Pickering, author of Autumn Spring and Letters to a Teacher "Concise, cogent, and convincing, Jay Parini clarifies a complex subject with common sense and uncommon insight. This is a book for both the newcomer and the old hand--a rousing and eloquent survey of an art that goes to the very center of our lives."--J. D. McClatchy "With the light touch and intelligent eye of a great teacher, Jay Parini makes this concise little book a marvel, plumbing the depths of the reasons for poetry and the underpinnings of the art from metaphor to vision, from nature to politics . Beginning with that notorious anti-poet Plato and stopping off for brief conversations with Shelley, Wordsworth, Stevens, Eliot and even Louise Gl
Author Comments
Jay Parini reflects on poetry and its place in our lives . . .
Details ISBN0300151462 Author Jay Parini Short Title WHY POETRY MATTERS Pages 224 Publisher Yale University Press Language English ISBN-10 0300151462 ISBN-13 9780300151466 Media Book Format Paperback DEWEY 808.1 Year 2009 Imprint Yale University Press Place of Publication New Haven Country of Publication United States Residence US Affiliation Middlebury College Qualifications Ph.D. Series Why X Matters S. NZ Release Date 2009-05-15 US Release Date 2009-05-15 UK Release Date 2009-05-15 Illustrations 0; 0 Publication Date 2009-05-15 Audience General AU Release Date 2009-05-14 We've got this
At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it.With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love!
30 DAY RETURN POLICY
No questions asked, 30 day returns!
FREE DELIVERY
No matter where you are in the UK, delivery is free.
SECURE PAYMENT
Peace of mind by paying through PayPal and eBay Buyer Protection TheNile_Item_ID:161683361;
Your request is processing... Please Wait