Description
Book SynopsisExplores the divide between practical criticism and theory in 20th century criticism to propose a new way of reading poetry. This book considers such topics as rhyme, poetic voice and language.
Trade ReviewRobert Smith's On Modern Poetry dazzles and illuminates, as does poetry itself. The book is an exciting intervention in poetic criticism, and the zest with which the book apprehends as well as comprehends its material will ensure that all kinds of readers interested in poetry will be enthused to think more carefully about its idioms, strange logics, and its genres. In bringing together intuitive and intellectual attention without simply pre-empting the distinction or its affects, the book achieves what it sets out to do. -- Dr Anthony Mellors, Reader in Poetry and Poetics, Birmingham City University, UK
‘Smith's writing moves with an ease and elegance that can belie the, sometimes breath-taking, flair, reach and focus of his readings... it has much to recommend it to a wide audience, from general readers, to students, to specialists.' -- Dr Clare Connors, University of East Anglia, UK
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. -- R.T. Prus, Southeastern Oklahoma State University * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part I: Themes; 1. Two or Three Genealogies for Modern Poetic Theory; 2. Rhyme and Reason; 3. The Object; 4. 'You Hear Voices? You Are Possessed!'; 5. Rhetoric + Heidegger + Derrida; Part II: Readings; 6. Darkling; 7. Fl...; 8. Le Malade Imaginaire; 9. Symons in the Decade of Decadence; 10. For the Sake of a Single Poem; Conclusion: Criticism and the Case of J. H. Prynne; Bibliography; Index.
