The Illustrated Poems of John Betjeman

by John Betjeman, David Gentleman (Illustrator)

Book by Betjeman, John, Sir

Genres: Poetry

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant word pictures by Betjeman, particularly in the Church, People and Places section of the book while the Love section starts the book off charmingly with some loving verse, particularly 'The Cockney Amorist' and the last verse of that poem is something I can really empathise with. I probably like the poem so much as my late wife was born within the sound of Bow Bells (Shoreditch)!

The last section entitled 'Death 'is something I could have done without because of the sentiments expressed but the poems still paint a relevant picture, which is often quite moving.

All read aloud there is the Betjeman rhythm throughout, not surprisingly, and the cadence of the Betjeman voice seems to come through nicely.

[Vicky Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

A well illustrated collection of poetry by the twentieth-century English poet. They are divided into sections labeled LOVE, CHURCH, PEOPLE, PLACES, and DEATH. They seemed suited more for the upperclass Brit, than people in general, and were reflective of people of high income and stability.
They generally focus on a childhood perspective. I found myself reading through most of them and feeling nothing.

The few that I did find of interest were on topics more general to mankind:
False Security (social/ class insecurity)
Slough (bombing/ warfare)
The Arrest of Oscar Wilde (injustice)
The Last Laugh (old age)
Death in Leamington (a cool detached death)
Narcissus (sexuality)

I expected the poem titled "A Shropshire Lad" to be interesting, because I enjoy A.E. Housman's 1896 collection of that name. It was not. I think that if I were a Brit and I read an atlas of England, or a phonebook I would get about as much emotion as I did from much of this collection. It is not geography alone that moves our heart. There is some tie to the landscape that stirs us that is not in the buildings alone.

When reading the works of Beatrix Potter (childhood perspective) or Agatha Christie (adult viewpoint) I feel the soul within the British landscape. Not here. It is a lovely book and nice to look at for decoration. If you have your own memories of England to infuse these poems with, perhaps they may come to life for you. Afterall, this is just one person's perspective.

[Jenny Housley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely presented book with illustrations. I think my favourites are
Invasion Exercise on the Poultry Farm because it’s amusing
Death in Leamington because it’s so sad
Tregardock because the last verse crept up on me unawares. Again very sad.