Favourite Poems of the Countryside

by Samuel Carr (Editor), Jo Bell (Introduction)

From the rural life to the changing seasons, the vast woodlands to the seaside, these poems celebrate Britain's idyllic countryside. Beautifully illustrated with nostalgic scenes of England’s pastures, sleepy villages, and dramatic landscapes, this rich anthology includes timeless verses from Shakespeare through Pope and Marvell, to Coleridge, Tennyson, and Wordsworth, right up to Vita Sackville-West and John Betjeman.

Genres: Poetry

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2015

Reviews

[Victoria Sigsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to have lots of poetry books on my shelf particularly the annually published Fireside book which I always enjoyed. However, having needed to move and not having space, I relinquished these and find I prefer to borrow poetry books from the library.
This is how I came to read this one. I happened to call into the library when they had poetry on display and, having collected the book I requested, saw this and decided to borrow this also.
I have to say it is disappointing. The illustrations also vary. The trouble is poetry is subjective and I do not know how these were chosen as 'favourites.' Many of the poets I hadn't heard of and too many were included that were in old English and therefore very difficult to read and get into any rhythm in your head.(I have been learning and reciting poetry for Sunday School from as young as I can remember and also have LAMDA certificates in spoken English and boy were some of these difficult).
It certainly is not a collection I would recommend to anyone starting out exploring poetry.
Most of them were dull. However the reason for the 3 star rating rather than the 2 is because this collection includes Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, Sonnet To The River Otter and the poem, Invitation To The Country by George Meredith as it includes several lines about the Otter. Otherwise it's really uninspiring and sadly, I feel, rather out dated now.

[lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a little disappointed by this collection, especially considering how much I loved Ode to Flowers. It had a handful of poems and poets that I liked, but for the most parts the poems weren’t that memorable. Forgotten most of them already, to be honest.

Not sure if I wasn’t in the mood for poetry or what, but I just couldn’t like this collection. I love nature poetry, especially concerning the countryside, but these were so dry and boring (don’t know if that’s because of me or the poems, though). The collection had little to none women, and a major lack in ethnic diversity, which doesn’t make sense. Lots of potential to celebrate a wide range of poets, but only included popular white men.

Not a favourite, unfortunately.

[Karlos · Rating 2 out of 5]

My taste in poetry is 20th century. The cover and beautiful illustrations in this book give a sense of 30’s-50’s British countryside so I thought I’d found a perfect collection. But no - it’s overwhelmingly 18-19th century works, plus earlier with its olde phrases and romantic preoccupations. Just not my cup of tea.

My favourites were the ones I already knew, mostly Gerard Manley-Hopkins.

So 4 stars if you like the period as the book is gorgeous, 2 or less if you’re expecting 20th century more contemporary writing on the countryside then like me you’ll be disappointed.

[Sezzylou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely - A Quiet Life by A Pope is beautiful, among many others in this book.

[Harriet Cornwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first poetry books I've ever bought just to read for fun. Inspired a lot of my poems for my creative writing poetry module. Love the artwork in it as well.

[Michael Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection of some rather charming poems. I liked it, a lot.