Author Description
In the 1860s, Francis Turner Palgrave set out to collect the finest English lyrical poems in one volume. What he created was The Golden Treasury, an instant classic of verse anthologies. Over the last century, it has withstood the test of time as an immensely popular collection--becoming virtually synonymous with English verse for generations of readers.Now available in a new edition for the first time in thirty years, The Golden Treasury is as delightful as ever, offering old classics together with the finest works of our own time. Here you can find priceless gems by Shakespeare, Byron, Tennyson, Yeats, and other immortal lights of literature. This new edition also serves as a map to the changing landscape of today's British verse, presenting outstanding poetry by both famous and lesser-known writers of Ireland and Great Britain: Seamus Heaney, Sylvia Plath, Fleur Adcock, Carol Ann Duffy, Douglas Dunn, Gavin Ewart, Tony Harrison, Elizabeth Jennings, Derek Mahon, Peter Porter, Carol Rumens, Anne Stevenson, and Hugo Williams, among others. Editor John Press is himself an accomplished poet and translator, and he has taken care to preserve the spirit of the original Golden Treasury. The result is a marvelous collection of British verse--a source of unexpected delights and old favorites alike.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume seeks to curate and preserve the finest examples of English lyrical poetry while expanding the original 1860s framework to include contemporary voices. Editor John Press, an accomplished poet and translator, utilizes his expertise to bridge the gap between historical canonical works and modern British and Irish verse. The text functions as both a historical record of the English poetic tradition and a contemporary survey of evolving literary styles.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive selection of lyrical poems spanning from the Elizabethan era to the late 20th century.
- Works by foundational figures such as Shakespeare, Byron, Tennyson, and Yeats.
- Modern contributions from poets including Seamus Heaney, Sylvia Plath, and Carol Ann Duffy.
Scope Limits
- The collection focuses primarily on British and Irish poets, excluding a broad international scope.
- It does not provide exhaustive critical analysis or biographical essays for every included author.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this edition as a significant continuation of Palgrave's original project, successfully maintaining the anthology's historical prestige while updating its relevance. Readers frequently note that the inclusion of modern poets provides a balanced perspective on the evolution of the lyrical form.
Page Count:
720
Publication Date:
1994-11-10
ISBN-10:
0192542028
ISBN-13:
9780192542021
Poetry
Anthology
SONGS ENGLISH
British literature
Lyrical Poetry
Classic Literature