Favourite Poems of England

by Jane McMorland Hunter (editor)

A paperback reissue of a beautiful anthology.

A diverse collection of poetry which celebrates both England and all that it means to be English – from the rolling hills, to those lost in battle over the centuries, to London’s bustling streets and a nation obsessed with the weather. Ode to England encompasses a breadth of poetry from our most renowned writers – such as William Wordsworth, D. H. Lawrence and William Blake – alongside verses from less prestigious names which equally capture many inspiring visions of our ‘sceptered isle’. The poems are accompanied by stunning illustrations which pay further tribute to the beauty of this green and pleasant land.

The perfect gift for any Englishman or Anglophile, this wonderful collection captures all the beauty and eccentricities of England and Englishness.

Genres: Poetry

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2014

Reviews

[Jessie Pietens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great, not bad. This anthology had some lovely poems in there that I will probably go back to every now and again, but there were a lot of poems that I didn’t really connect to - which is always the gamble with an anthology I guess. Nevertheless, the design of the book, with its beautiful illustrations, was lovely.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this collection of poems about England. And the imagery placed throughout was perfect.

[Andrew Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely poetry book. Like a lot of such volumes, the illustrations add immeasurably to the whole experience. A very well put together book, so many thanks to all concerned - author, publisher etc. Of course, many of the poems will be known to the reader but more often than not a further reading of such works enhances the memories and enjoyment. Yet again, some of the poems will be more suited to your taste than others - we have natural differences - but overall there will be much herein to give you pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hence recommend you give it a try.

[Jonny Parshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems aside are wonderful, beautiful, but the real joy in this book is their selection, the order they're presented, and the themes in which they are arranged. Add to that the beautiful art and you'll find this book is beyond better than what it should be. It is an overachievement. Five stars, would recommend to any lover of England, poetry, but especially both.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little book filled with lovely poems..

[Merle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more from the poems. Two stars for the illustrations.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well selected and diverse choice of works epitomising some of the aspects of English life - very nostalgic for someone living overseas!

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a pretty little book, but I didn't enjoy the poems as much as I'd hoped. I had recognized a number of the author's names so was looking forward to what might be offered, but most of the selections simply didn't appeal to me. There's no explaining my relationship with poetry. The ones I love mean the world to me but there is so much of it that I don't like at all. Who knows why?

I did have one good laugh somewhere in the middle of the book. It had all been fairly serious up till that point, then I came across A Hand In The Bird, by Roald Dahl. I can't reprint it for you here because of copyright law, but do find a copy if you can. It cracked me up.

Some of the poets whose works are included are Thomas Hardy, William Blake, A. E. Houseman, John Keats, William Wordsworth, Percy Byshe Shelley, Christina Rossetti and William Shakespeare. Quite an elite group, isn't it? I feel rather ashamed of myself that I couldn't find anything to love.