The Strict Metrical Tradition: Variations in the Literary Iambic Pentameter from Sidney and Spenser to Matthew Arnold [Hardcover]

David Keppel-Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2001

Keppel-Jones's study focuses on a period of 275 years, during which iambic pentameter variations were conducted with special precision. Representative blocks of verse are chosen from major poets in original authoritative editions, and each variation is analysed on the basis of all cases of that variation. To give precision to certain of the principles, Keppel-Jones follows the linguist Bruce Hayes' definitions of boundaries between word-groups, but handles this material in such a way as to be understood by the general reader. Keppel-Jones found that the practical result of this study is a new metre that he could apply the principles of iambic variation to the anapest. His fascinating and original approach to iambic pentameter will appeal to scholars in the field and also to people with a general interest in poetry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A unique and original contribution to the field. Keppel-Jones' analysis is often astounding." Ronald Marken, Department of English, University of Saskatchewan "Genuinely valuable and original work in the field of metrics. It represents a major contribution to research in a field that seems in general to be characterized by labourious re-inventions of the wheel. Keppel-Jones' double-footed approach to metrical practice is genuinely illuminating, and his systematic relation of such practices to particular rhythmic effects is novel and convincing." Peter Groves, Department of English, Monash University

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Mcgill Queens Univ Pr (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773521615
• ISBN-13: 978-0773521612
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,767,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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