Every Man His Own Poet; Or, The Inspired Singer's Recipe Book

Name: Every Man His Own Poet; Or, The Inspired Singer's Recipe Book
Author: W. H. Mallock

A satirical manual treats poetic composition as a set of cookery-style recipes, opening with a mock-analytical introduction about poetry's changing nature. It supplies step-by-step recipes for producing different kinds of verse, including love poems, pathetic marine pieces, epics, narrative and modern Pre-Raphaelite types, presented as ingredients and methods. Several chapters parody contemporary poetic styles, offering pastiche instructions aimed at mimicking Tennyson, Matthew Arnold, Browning, Morris, Byron and Swinburne. Humor and pointed literary criticism merge as the author exposes formulaic tendencies and concludes by reflecting on poetry's accessibility and the reduction of inspiration to a craft.

By W. H. Mallock

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About the Author

W. H. Mallock

W. H. Mallock was an English author and social critic known for his exploration of social and philosophical themes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works often engage with contemporary debates on socialism, aristocracy, and the role of the individual in society. Notable titles include "A Critical Examination of Socialism," where he critiques socialist ideologies, and "Is Life Worth Living?" which reflects on existential questions of purpose and value. Mallock's writings contribute to discussions on class and societal structure, making him a significant figure in the literary landscape of his time.