English Poets

Britain in Pictures #1

by David Cecil

Part of the Writers' Britain series, first published in the 1940s, this work argues that poetry, of all the arts, is the chosen artistic expression of the nation. It surveys the English poets and their legacy, from Chaucer to the War Poets.

Genres: Poetry, Literature, Classics

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1942

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short book surveying English poetry from Chaucer to T.S. Eliot. With Cecil as the author, it goes without saying that the book is elegantly written, entertaining and thoughtful. The book itself is historically interesting, it was published during World War II, one of a large series of short works celebrating English life and culture and no doubt intended to lift British national spirits. As a result, the book is somewhat rose-tinted and patriotic. But God knows, who could deny them that comfort in those dreadful times?