Tennyson's central poem is presented with an extensive introduction that provides background information on the poet and poem as well as an over... read full description
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Nov 03, 2011
Dolly
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Alfred Lord Tennyson strikes an imposing figure. Ensconced in a loosely fitting morning coat, with a fluid raven mane, a pineal beard, an aquiline face and a nose that could plough icebergs, he had all the bearings of a Victorian bard. He also had all the credentials. Tennyson began writing poetry as a child. Aged 12 he penned a 6,000 line epic in the style of Sir Walter Scott, a few years later a precocious verse-drama, The Devil and the Lady. It fact, the writing never ceased even when he fail
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Jun 10, 2010
Rachel
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Well, this one isn't light reading (I read it for Victorian Literature in college) but it is a beautiful but long poem Tennyson composed when his close friend died. There are some moving passages despite it's crazy length...101 page poem...wow! Interestingly enough, it does contain the famous lines penned by Tennyson: "tis better to have loved and lost than never loved before" and the lyrics to the Christmas song we sing in church, "Ring Out Wild Bells".
Feb 21, 2009
Kristin
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I read an excerpt of this in the Norton Anthology and it was beautiful. The author expresses his fear of the lack of a hereafter as well as his disbelief that someone so amazing can die and go nowhere but into the ground. I was very intrigued by the relationship between the two men, one in which the author mentions his heart beating at the thought of touching hands, but I found, beyond a little puerile interest, I couldn't give a damn if the men were lovers, if the author had a crush, or if th
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Jan 01, 2012
Eeh
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So many touching bits, so many eloquently put sentences; the rhythm makes it captivating and easy to read and the stanzas flow onwards, surging with sorrow and yearning for what has been lost. The struggle is felt deeply, the constant assault of memories of hopes and trying to come to terms with his own Christian faith in the face of such hardships...
Jan 23, 2012
Jennie
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If you're in need of some sleep, please read this book. I felt like I was stuck in Dante's Inferno while reading it. It was that awful!
This is the kind of book that makes me hate my major sometimes...
This is the kind of book that makes me hate my major sometimes...
May 17, 2011
Ke
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For our times, this poem may be too long. There were some sections where I found it beautiful, but at others it seemed too lyrical.
I was uneasy about the poem, because I felt that Tennyson was capitalizing on his friend's death.
I was uneasy about the poem, because I felt that Tennyson was capitalizing on his friend's death.
Apr 21, 2009
Rachel
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Tennyson is my favorite poet (or at least top 5, which one is first would depend on the mood I guess) and these are my favorites that he wrote.
Aug 06, 2011
It is said to be by many a bit of a drag but sometimes that is just what mourning someone is like...to hell with sometimes.
Mar 06, 2009
Deborah
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I did not actually read, nor do I own, In Memoriam in this form. I read it in an anthology of Victorian Literature.
Sep 29, 2011
Fei
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I must confess that out of everything Tennyson has ever written, In Memoriam, to me, is the best. Truly wonderful.
Jul 08, 2010
Maggie
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go figure. phrases of value and thoughts worth reading. no one is more surprised than me.
Jul 12, 2010
Lisa
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Going to be honest, I kinda hated this book. I was turned off by the premise, I was bored by the tone, I was over the style. It was beautifully written, but I will not pick up this book again.
Dec 06, 2010
Derek
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Perhaps the finest, most moving elegy ever written.
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Jul 30, 2008
Barbara
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The destruction grief wreaks, and the wisdoms it exposes. Tennyson's abject desolation at the loss of his friend is keenly felt throughout the separate movements, and yet that same sorrow compels him to create this work of soaring lyricism and piercing insight into man's condition and to try to answer the mystery of our common chain of mortality. "Because man cannot have been made only to die"{paraphrase from the opening, third stanza}.
Jan 04, 2008
Skylar
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This collection of poems was written when Tennyson's friend (who was engaged to his sister) died. There are parts of this work that still have not ceased to move me to tears, no matter how many times I read them. "In Memoriam" paints a very real portrait of the spiritual struggle that a believer undergoes when he loses someone he loves dearly. Tennyson's rhythms echo his mood perfectly.
Aug 21, 2011
David
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I really got this poem, as I think most people who've experienced loss will. It really is beautifully written and heart-wrenching at times. Though it rambles and repeats itself occasionally, overall it is a joy to read.
Mar 05, 2008
Patty
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A beautiful account of a man struggling for meaning and faith after the loss of his closest friend. It's filled with striking images and famous phrases ("Nature, red in tooth and claw" and "'Tis better to have loved and lost/ Than never to have loved at all" are its most conspicuous contributions to the lexicon).
Feb 01, 2012
Dottie
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Tennyson was a presence throughout my school years -- and likely before that as my mother could refer to poems readily as did others in my immediate family. These were the standards, the classics and they wer taught and read. The language is grand -- and lovely to turn to from time to time.
Jan 23, 2010
Maxine
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This elegy, which Tennyson never intended to be read, is a real, real downer at first. The poetry, however, is some of the most beautiful stuff you could put on paper. "Strangely falls our Christmas Eve..." still haunts me any time I think of it.
Feb 01, 2012
Nikki
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I really like Tennyson's poetry. I've studied various poems by him, including "The Kraken" and "The Eagle", and I liked reading more widely. I love the Arthurian stuff, in particular.
Feb 01, 2012
Luke
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Once again, I haven't read a fraction of what he wrote (one reason's 'cause for some reason the writers of the period wrote HUGE amounts of words, the other's that he wasn't my favorite).
Apr 28, 2007
Clarissa
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The expression of brotherly love and affection that Tennyson has for his deceased friend is unparalleled in this poem. Though lengthy, it is well worth reading.
Jun 02, 2008
Sharon
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A student of mine was reading this for a class. I picked it up again. I had forgotten how full of sheer grief this is. Lyrical music.
Feb 01, 2012
David
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Though the edition I have is much older & fragile than this one & being a lover of poetry I thouroughly enjoyed my edition.
