Patterns of Poetry: An Encyclopedia of Forms

by Miller Williams

Miller Williams’ Patterns of Poetry is an encyclopedia of the forms used by poets throughout the history of English, from blank verse to hymnal measure, from englyn penfyr to the double dactyl, from the clerihew to the sonnet. Each form is introduced with a brief discussion of its origin, which is followed by a graphic presentation of its scansion, metrics, and rhyme scheme. Sample poems show how each form actually works. Williams begins Patterns of Poetry with an introduction entitled “Form and the Age,” in which he traces the history of form in the arts and the ways in which any form relates to the political, social, and religious temper of the period in which it becomes dominant. He then prefaces the main text with useful notes on rhyme, prosodic symbols, the major feet, metrics, and nonce forms. Also included in the book are a glossary; a bibliography; a listing of additional poems in the various patterns (poems not included in the text but of great use to teachers); an essay on the line as the prosodic unit; and an index.

Genres: Poetry, Reference, Nonfiction, Writing, Literature

222 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1986

About the author

Died January 1, 2015.

Miller Williams is an American contemporary poet, as well as a translator and editor. He has authored over 25 books and won several awards for his poetry. His accomplishments have been chronicled in Arkansas Biography. He is perhaps best known for reading his poem "Of History and Hope" at the second inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1997.

Williams was educated in Arkansas, first enrolling at Hendrix College in Conway and eventually transferring to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where he published his first collection of poems, Et Cetera, while getting his bachelor's degree in biology. He went on to get a masters in zoology at the University of Arkansas in 1952.

He taught in several universities in various capacities, first as a professor of biology and then of English literature, and in 1970 returned to the University of Arkansas as a member of the English Department and the creative writing program. In 1980 he helped found the University of Arkansas Press, where he served as director for nearly 20 years. He is currently a professor emeritus of literature at the University of Arkansas.

Williams is the father of Lucinda Williams, a three-time Grammy Award winning country music, folk, and rock singer, named "America's best songwriter" by TIME magazine in 2002.

Reviews

[Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a must have for poets! Added bonus: the author himself is a fine poet!

[Richard Subber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a trove of detail about poetic forms--hint: there are a whole lot more than iambic pentameter. Williams gives details and prodigious examples of dozens of forms of poetry, including forms whose names I can't even pronounce, such as "Englyn Penfyr" and "Awdyl Gywydd." Hint: don't look for them in your local library too much.
This is a reference book for poets who are interested in the technics and the pyrotechnics of their craft.
Williams adds a rather breezy history of Western literature and poetry.
Read more of my reviews and poetry here:
http://richardsubber.com/

[John Chadwick]

If your goal is to read poetry (including Miller's) organized by forms, or if your goal is to try to write your own, is there a better resource than the man from Hoxie, [Lawrence County] Arkansas?

"In 1962, with writer Flannery O’Connor’s help, he got a job in Louisiana State University’s English Department. Four years later, he joined the faculty of Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he founded and edited The New Orleans Review. In 1970, he returned to UA as a member of the English Department and the graduate program in creative writing."

Source: http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net...

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I refer back to this book at least once a week, whether I'm reading poetry or writing poetry.

A very good and comprehensive book of forms. There may be better books on forms out there, but I haven't found them, yet.

A must-have reference.

Highly recommended.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best sources of different forms of poetry and how to write them that I've ever found.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would be difficult to undertake any exercise in formal poetry without this handy and nearly comprehensive gem of a book.

[Alexandra Mergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful. Well-written. I borrowed this first from the library then enjoyed it so much I purchased it. It's a keeper.

[Joseph Spence Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book of poetry forms. I also keep it handy while writing. The illustrations are excellent, and will keep you on track.