Lectures on English poets

Name: Lectures on English poets
Author: James Russell Lowell

By James Russell Lowell

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About This Book

A dozen lectures survey the English poetic tradition, moving from medieval visionary and metrical romances and ballads through Chaucer and Spenser to Milton, Pope, Butler, and Wordsworth. The author pairs historical overview with close readings that examine diction, meter, imagination, wit, and the poet’s social and ethical functions, delivering concise critical judgments and vivid illustrative images. The prose blends poetic sensibility with scholarly attention, and the sequence traces how form, language, and imaginative force shape poetic effect across different eras.

About the Author

James Russell Lowell

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) was an American poet, critic, and essayist, known for his contributions to the literary and cultural landscape of the 19th century. A prominent figure in the American Romantic movement, he is celebrated for works such as "The Biglow Papers," which blend humor and social commentary. Lowell's writings often reflect his deep engagement with issues of his time, including abolitionism and education. He served as a professor at Harvard and was a key figure in the literary community, contributing to various periodicals. His essays and poetry continue to resonate, showcasing his wit and insight into the human experience.