British Poetry in the Age of Modernism

This insightful exploration examines the impact of Modernism on British poets like Hardy and Owen, highlighting their unique responses to the era's challenges.

In British Poetry in the Age of Modernism, Peter Howarth explores the landscape of British poetry during a time when Modernism was at its peak. He delves into the significance of poets like Thomas Hardy, Edward Thomas, and Wilfred Owen, who stood apart from the Modernist movement. This critical examination sheds light on the implications of not aligning with Modernist ideals and how these poets navigated their own artistic paths amidst the revolutionary changes in poetic form and content.

Howarth's work is the first comprehensive study that addresses the responses of non-Modernist poetry to the Modernist upheaval. He connects the early twentieth-century debates about poetic style to contemporary issues, including the social and political climate shaped by the trauma of the First World War. By doing so, he reveals how the tensions between modern and traditional forms reflect deeper philosophical questions about freedom, power, and individuality in poetry.

This book serves as a valuable resource for both scholars and students, offering insights into the ongoing discussions that have influenced British poetry over the last century. British Poetry in the Age of Modernism not only highlights the themes and debates that have defined this era but also encourages readers to reflect on the evolution of poetic expression in relation to historical context.