How Poetry Works

by Philip Davies Roberts

In this refreshing and inspiring book, Phil Roberts asserts that poetry, like music, is based on sound and so close attention should be paid to its rhythms and metrical patterns. He illustrates his points with lively examples ranging from nursery rhymes and limericks to recent experimental forms as well as familiar pieces from over the centuries. The book concludes with a Millennium Anthology, a salute to the poetry of the past thousand years, including pieces from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Literary Criticism, Writing, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 1986

About the author

Phil Roberts was born in Canada and educated there and in England. Apart from working as a writer, with over ten published books, he is also an active musician - church organist, jazz pianist, classical recitalist, and teacher of keyboard, flute and classical guitar. He is an Associate of the Australian Conservatory of Music and also of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. He has taught classes in music appreciation for beginners in England, Australia and Canada. His most recent recitals were with New York violinist Galina Heifetz.

Reviews

[Tim Rideout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addressing his readers Phil Roberts suggests 'perhaps you feel disappointed because I have spent so much time on the technical aspects of poetry in this book, and so little on the magical effects.'

Herein lies the dilemma at the heart of my response to 'How Poetry Works'.

On his own terms Roberts succeeds, providing a concise, readable and comprehensive manual of the technical aspects of poetry supported by examples taken from the last 1,000 years of English poetry.

This offers any student a sound, basic grounding in the mechanics of poetry.

However I was indeed disappointed by Robert's decision to then not offer any insights into how such techniques (metre, rhythm, rhyme, metaphor, form etc.) are used to create effect or convey meaning. The absence of such a consideration risks offering a reductive view of reading poetry, where the focus is purely on technique rather than purpose.

Read towards the end of the second decade of the twenty first century Robert's assessment of contemporary poetry is also perhaps inevitably somewhat dated, particularly in its assessment of the importance of female poets. However Robert's emphasis on the importance of reading poetry aloud in order to truly appreciate it is unassailable.

In the final analysis, 'How Poetry Works' is a solid reader's guide to technique but leaves the reader hungry for more on the 'magic' of poetic meaning and effect.

[Laura Walin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give course books systematically three stars, but this book was such an exceptional one that four is deserved. Roberts manages to explain in plain English all the different sides that make English poetry worth reading. And reading aloud. He proves that it is possible to write a scholarly book explaining difficult, abstract matters in a way that is not only understandable but even pleasant reading. The Annexes are also good support to reading, anthology and vocabulary being the most interesting ones.

[Samuel Eastlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I think it has done more for me to appreciate and understand poetry than any book I’ve read on the subject before. Roberts builds on the techniques used in poems chapter by chapter, starting with syntax, then rhyme, then verses, then the structure of the whole poem, before finally offering some thoughts on the place of the poet in society.

Roberts focuses on the way a poem sounds when read. He even goes as far to say that if you aren’t willing to read a poem out loud, there isn’t any point in you reading it at all. I appreciated this, because it’s encouraged me to read more poetry out loud and enjoy the sounds as much as the words.

Roberts also takes time to explain how the natural poetry of the English language is based on its rhythm, not its rhyme. Rhyme is really suited to Italian and French poetry, which is why we don’t really see any rhyme in Anglo-Saxon poetry. For anyone interested in getting more out of poems, this is an excellent book.

[EF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up front - I've not finished reading this book, I've read chapters 1 & 2, appendix. c and the Anthology. For this alone I am prepared to give 5 stars. If like me you have read standard theories of poetical stress, rhythm and metre, and although you understand what is being said, the theory doesn't always seem to work in practice for you. Then this is the book for you. Apparently we are suffering from the effects of Roman colonialism being foisted onto English. Phil Roberts explanation is as clear as a bell and I am so excited to put what I have learned into reading and writing poetry. My only regret is that I hadn't come across this book earlier. I do intend to read the rest, but at a slower pace. This book has given me so much of what I wanted to find already.

[Luke T · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that grows progressively less interesting and more repetitive. The chapters on meter and phonemes are quality. The whole thing is saved by the ending anthology.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting theory - a bit strained I would say - I don't quite agree with his thesis, but it puts it across well and explores the working of poems in an interesting way. A really nice selection of poems to explore at the end too.
The one thing I didn't like was that he used his own poem as an example of some of this theories - and it wasn't a good poem - so it failed to make his point. If he had done it on a really good or even well established poem it might have been easier to convince me of the theory.

[Matthew Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that this is an outstanding primer to anyone who is afraid of, or knows little about, poetry. Roberts does an excellent introductory job of explaining "how poetry works," discussing the very basics. From this perspective, I know of no better book to do what it sets out to do. It is not an academic treatise. But it is eminently and enjoyably readable, and never condescending. Highly rated.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of - as the title states - how poetry works.

I've always enjoyed hearing poetry read out loud more than reading it myself. Roberts helps the reader understand how to read poetry so you can hear it in your head. Very useful for me.

Bits of it seem a little technical, but if you hang in there and read slowly, you'll get what the author is saying.

[Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good way to start for anybody interested in poetry. it is not so hard read and it has a special focus on the sound, music speech of poetry.