Poetic Meter and Form

by Octavia Wynne

Can you tell an iamb from a trochee? An anapest from an amphibrach? Why do children always take such delight in dactylic tetrameter? Is a ballad the same as a ballade? What is poetic rhythm? In this clever little book, Scottish poet Octavia Wynne examines the elements of poetry, from its various feet, meters and lines, through its patterns, stanzas and rhymes, right up to the poetic forms themselves, with ancient and modern examples from William Shakespeare to Dr. Seuss.

Genres: Poetry

64 pages, Hardcover

First published February 16, 2016

Reviews

[Annie Nardone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thin volume is absolutely essential to every poet. The text is pared down to the essentials — explaining the basics of poetry types, meter, pattern, and poetic devices.
If you are a beginning or seasoned poet, this book needs to be on your shelves. I actually keep it in my backpack at all times along with my Moleskine notebook.

[Therese L. Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a USA citizen who studied poetry in a USA graduate school, I enjoy broadening my understanding of the "machinery" of a poem by finding authors -- such as this Scottish poet -- who disassemble and reassemble meter and form with alternative methods and terminology. To fully appreciate Octavia Wynne's many counter-intuitive gems ("terminal caesura" as one example), you'd be wise to first read any standard USA handbook of prosody. One final recommendation -- you had better buy a magnifying glass, because the print in this edition is VERY SMALL.

[Eric Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book. My takeaway: Rhythm is the lynchpin and rhyme is a lot smaller piece than I thought. And overall, it's about patterns.

[Mr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful compendium for poets learning to master the art of writing in rhythm and meter.

[Emily Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little intro book or refresher!

[Corey Katzelnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every major technical (for lack of a better word) poetic device and nomenclature is covered succinctly; its breadth is impressive but could be improved and expanded upon.

[Haley Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very helpful, informative and easy to read. It has helped immensely with the poetry rhythm, style, form and meter. I have read this from cover to cover but it also remains my favourite reference book regarding meter.