Victorian Poetry: Poetry, Poets and Politics 1st Edition

Isobel Armstrong is a superb writer and in this book, she provides a good amount to think about when reading Victorian poetry. All the cliches about this genre dissolve in her spirited and thoughtful discussion. Sets the context and milieu well, also. Highly recommended.

Excessive references and near epic over writing obscure the topic and bloat the book far beyond this compulsive reader's desire to read a study of Victorian poetry. Here are two sample sentences chosen at random. First, "Already the possibility of the double poem is available in this retrospective mode, where experience can only grasp experience by positing a prior consciousness which is under analysis by a subsequent state." And another: "If the neurotically repeated sexual pattern is an analogue for relations in other spheres, in art, and in politics, the task of the poem is to release itself from repetition and to find new forms of signification." Another interesting feature of the book is that the author is consistent in never missing an opportunity to use a longer word where a simple one would be sufficient if not more appropriate. If you like this English Department Writing Style, you will award this book five stars! I bought a used first edition for $12 and will donate to the next library book sale.

Poetry lovers resource - great for uni and college students

Currently teaching Tennyson and find this very helpful. Wont be disappointed with this book. Great if you like Victorian Literature. Brilliant.