Selected Poetry (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback]

Alexander Pope (Author), Pat Rogers (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 1998 | Series: Oxford World's Classics

Though critical opinion on Alexander Pope has frequently been divided, he is now regarded as the most important poet of the early eighteenth century. An invalid from infancy, he devoted his energies towards literature and achieved remarkable success with his first published work at the age of twenty-one. A succession of brilliant poems followed, including An Essay on Criticism (1711), Windsor Forest (1715), and his masterpiece, The Rape of the Lock. A second period of great poetry was begun in 1728 with the appearance of the first Dunciad. All these works--which exhibit Pope's astonishing human insight, his wide sympathies, and powers of social observation (displayed to greatest effect in his talent for satire)--are included in this selection of his poetry. It has been compiled by the distinguished Pope scholar and editor Pat Rodgers, who also provides an indispensable introduction that offers a new interpretation of Pope's poetry, and the philosophical ideas behind it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Good notes, especially on esoteric terms, concepts, [and] items endemic to the 18th century."--Mary Norton, Western Carolina University

"This is an excellent classroom text for a course in major 18th century poets. I would not hesitate to use it or recommend it to others."--Robert D. Spector, Long Island University

"An absorbing and erudite study."--John Marillo, North Carolina State University

"The cleanest text of all Pope anthologies combined with the most helpful notes make this the most accessible collection of Pope's poems available to students."--Jerome Donne, University of Central Florida

Book Description

Yevgeny Yevtushenko is the fearless spokesman of his generation in Russia. In verse that is young, fresh, and outspoken he frets at restraint and injustice, as in his now famous protest over the Jewish pogrom at Kiev. But he can write lyrically, too, of the simple things of humanity-love, a birthday, a holiday in Georgia. And in 'Zima Junction' he brilliantly records his impressions on a visit to his home in Siberia. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192834940
• ISBN-13: 978-0192834942
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,303,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Somewhere After Akhmatova and in the Company of Solzhenisyn, December 7, 2011

By 

Tebes "Buchlieber" (Niagara Region, ON) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Selected Poems (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

In world literature, Pushkin dominates the early 19th century while Akhmatova takes up residences in the first half of the twentieth.

There are numerous other poets to consider and appreciate: Lermontov (19th century), Blok, Pasternak, Mandelstam and Tsetaeva (20th) but after them, it seems it gets a little complicated or if anything confusing. The greats have been established, lauded and loved. The closer we get to modern literature, the more chaotic it feels with so many names vying for the spotlight (and this goes for all nations with their share of writers and poets).

After reading Selected Poems (translated beautifully by Robin Milner-Gulland Peter Levi), I would have to say Yevgeny Yevtushenko belongs in the pantheon of Russian greats.

Yevtushenko was born in Siberia but came to prominence after Stalin's death in 1953. There is something ecstatic, majectic and carefree about his poetry and yet at the same time, it is tender and aware of the trials of the twentieth century. 'Zima Junction' simply cannot be read once. It is more a kaleidoscope of Yevtushenko's world and the world springing from his childhood. It is a journey through the past laden with nostalgia, philosophy, wonder and charisma.

The aforementioned poem is necessary to loving the poet's approach. The remainder of the volume is made up of shorter poems, many of them smaller versions or off-shoots of 'Zima Junction'. Not to say the poet is repeating himself but the concerns that erupt in the epic poem echo throughout the book. History and family is important to Yevtunshenko and his family have key roles in 'Weddings' and 'On a Bicycle'.

After 'Zima Junction', the second most important poem is 'Babiy Yar' which focuses on the Nazi mass-murder of Kiev Jews.

I gladly give this book five stars though I do have one sensible complaint: I wish there were more poems. A poet this fascinating deserves a larger collection. This mean showcase of poems only whets my appetite. I guess I'll have to reread 'Zima Junction' a few more times before a more comprehensive volume of Yevtushenko's work is available.

4.0 out of 5 stars How could they leave out "Lies", February 6, 2010

By 

W. Masters (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Selected Poems (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

My only comment... if you like this author, look up his poem "Lies". It's one of my favorites!

Otherwise, nice collection.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Consult the Genius of the Place, May 16, 2005

By 

Alexander Schulman "Student" (Toronto, ON Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Selected Poetry (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

When I first started reading this collection, I thought that eighteenth century poetry was dry and inferior to later forms of literature, especially when compared with the innovations of the twentieth century. After delving deeply into some of Pope's major poems, I realized how wrong I was. Pope's wit was astounding, and he was a true poetic genius in his ability to capture concepts and arguments in beautifully rendered images and metaphors. His abilities are best summarized in these famous lines from his "Essay on Criticism": "True wit is nature to advantage dressed, / What oft was thought, but ne'er so well expressed."

I was often surprised by Pope's ability to articulate ideas that had occurred to me, but I was never able to articulate myself. It is a testament to Pope's insight into the human condition that his lines still ring true three hundred years since their first appearance. The subtle, complex ideas found in his poetry will expand your thoughts in ways you never though possible, especially if you have never experienced poetry from this period before.

For me, some of the highlights from this collection are "The Rape of the Lock", a beautifully detailed mock-epic steeped in the material culture of the eighteenth century; "Windsor Forest", a topographical poem that encodes and critiques the history of England in a description of its landscape; "Epistle to Burlington", a stinging criticism of "false taste"; and "Eloisa to Abelard", an emotionally wrenching letter of tragic medieval romance. For those interested in the writing and critiquing of literature (admittedly, not everyone), the brilliant "Essay on Criticism" will be the standout piece here, with its vast complexities and beautiful imagery. Furthermore, the detailed notes in the back of this edition should fill you in on any historical or literary references that will assist in your interpretation of the poems.

This edition is an amazing introduction to the poetry of one of the greatest writers in the English language, and a good first step into a fascinating period of literature. Don't be afraid! Read this book!