The Poetry Toolkit: The Essential Guide to Studying Poetry

by Rhian Williams

With examples from an extensive range of poets from Chaucer to today, The Poetry Toolkit offers simple and clear explanations of key terms, genres and concepts that enable readers to develop a richer, more sophisticated approach to reading, thinking and writing about poems. Combining an easy-to-use reference format defining and illustrating key concepts, forms and topics, with in-depth practice readings and further exercises, the book helps students master the study of poetry for themselves.

Now in its second edition, The Poetry Toolkit includes a wider range of examples from contemporary poetry and more American poetry. In addition, an extended close reading section now offers practice comparative readings of the kind students are most likely to be asked to undertake, as well as readings informed by contemporary environmental and urban approaches.

The book is also supported by extensive online resources, including podcasts, weblinks, guides to further reading and advanced study guides to reading poetry theoretically.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Writing, Theory

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2009

Reviews

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me and my fellow student colleagues to read for our Textual Analysis lecture✨

Would definitely say that it was a worth reading for any English Literature students as an introduction to some basic knowledge regarding this analyzing approach😬

[Niyanta Sangal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every poetry lover or student must read this. The most practical guide I have come across

[Niamh Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So useful for anyone studying English Literature and any of your modules includes Poetry

[Nigel Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent study for both those who read and write poetry. Often one and the same person. Writer and Critic.

[Natashaketel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough, accessible, detailed read that will give you EVERYTHING you need in order to improve your poetry analysis at any level. Particularly impressed by the number of examples in specific works and the opportunity at the end to analyse a number of poems independently with tips and tricks.

[Vanessa Kersey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an effective guide. It feels very thorough, without being too heavy, as well as well-organised. I found it really helpful to dip in and out of when I began teaching A-level poetry!

[ismahane ❖ · Rating 3 out of 5]

proven to be a clear and helpful guide to deciphering the nonsense that is english poetry!

[David Lai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, if sometimes dry, introduction to reading poetry. I didn't always agree with the author's responses, which, as in the case of the glass harmonica poem selected for close reading, could seem like justification as much as appreciation.

[Olivia Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant for any English literature students to really be able to analyse poetry in more depth as well as those who are maybe less confident with poetry.

[Ives Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little tired after spending weeks on end with this book, so sorry if my review is subpar.

I must say that it was quite the learning experience. There was so much I didn't know about poetry, and this book introduced me to each fact in a way where I didn't feel intimidated or overly confused. And the selection of poems as examples made it a somewhat enjoyable read. I can say that I may be able to learn how to write better poems after reading and exploring with this book.

[Anni · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very good reference book. It covers everything you need to know in order to do a good scansion of a poem. It contains lots of examples that shows you the use of e.g. alliteration in poems. It's a bit too thorough perhaps, as it also mentions feet that are very, very rarely used in poetry.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was for me extremely useful, I would highly suggest it for anyone that has to study poetry for an exam or has some kind of interest in the subject. It examines the features of poetry in depth, absolutely great as an academic book!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must get a copy of this for myself, brilliant little poetry 'dictionary' that covers all the bits that need to be covered.