Poetry

'Bradford has produced a superb, accessible introduction to an impressively sweeping range of poetic techniques and historical contexts. Impressive, useful and affordable, this book will be a boon for any newcomer who wishes to grapple with the daunting challenge of interpreting historical and contemporary poetry - it will work as great revision for experienced readers too.' - Kevin De Ornellas, Ulster University, UK

Richard Bradford's new introduction to poetry begins with and answers the slippery question, 'what is poetry?'. The book provides a compact history of English poetry from the 16th century to the present day and surveys the major critical and theoretical approaches to verse.Richard Bradford's new introduction to poetry begins with and answers the slippery question, 'what is poetry?'. The book provides a compact history of English poetry from the 16th century to the present day and surveys the major critical and theoretical approaches to verse. It tackles the important issues of gender, race and nationality and concludes with a lengthy account of how to recognise good poetry.
This engaging and readable book is accessible to all readers, from those who simply enjoy poetry through university first years to graduate students. Poetry: The Ultimate Guide provides the technical and critical tools you need to approach and evaluate poetry, and to articulate your own views.