A guide to the arts of reading, analysing and enjoying poetry. While emphasising the importance of close textual analysis - or reading in slow motion - it demonstrates how an understanding of form, language and context can combine to produce sophisticated and original responses to all types of poetry.
"The "essential introduction to the skills needed to read - and really enjoy - poetry.
- Includes almost 100 poems or substantial passages from poems, with full guides to further reading to help students with their study
- Exercises at the end of each chapter will help students practise and develop their skills in reading poetry
"Reading Poetry stands out from other introductions to poetry in its brilliant combination of practical guidance and theoretical savvy. Students who use this book will be helped to enjoy and discuss poems, introduced to some of the major varieties of poetic criticism, and invited to reflect on what makes poetry important today. Reading Poetry is, in my view, the best introductory book on the study of poetry available. " - Professor Derek Attridge, Universityof York