Versification: A Short Introduction

by James McAuley

A Short Introduction is written by one of Australia's most distinguished poets. The book discusses poetic meter, and may be the only source you need. McAuley devotes a short chapter to versification based on accent, syllable count, free verse and "classical" meters, but the book as a whole focuses on metrical verse and its constant reference back to stress in normal speech―it suceeds in showing meterical verse as a natural outgrowth of what we do naturally. This dispels quickly any sense of the esoteric―poetry is of and for people in general not for a special literati. After establishing meter in the normal sphere of speech, McAuley then discusses how abstract meterical patterns are actually applied and how variety is added to avoid a sing-song effect.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Writing

84 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 1983

Reviews

[Tandava Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book focuses at the individual line level of poetry, comparing all the different variations that can be applied on top of a standard metrical format, and how these interplay.

[Šári · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the workings of English-language poetry: quick and concise, explains everything in simple terms, uses lots of examples. It's perfect for students who are starting with scansion.