The Cambridge Introduction to Twentieth-Century American Poetry

Cambridge Introductions to Literature

by Christopher Beach

Intended as a concise but thorough introduction to the various movements of twentieth century American poets, this book will help readers understand and analyze modern and contemporary poems. It covers the work of major modernists such as Robert Frost, Ezra Pound, Wallace Stevens, and Marianne Moore, as well as the poets of the Harlem Renaissance, the New Critics, the Confessionals, and the Beats.

Genres: Poetry, Literary Criticism, Nonfiction, 20th Century

234 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Paras2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty comprehensive book about American poetry in the 20th cent. Unlike so many books books that complicate the matter and just confuse the reader, this book was reader-friendly and easy to understand.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The CAMBRIDGE INTRODUCTION TO TWENTIETH-CENTURY AMERICAN POETRY by Christopher Beach is a brief, but rich overview of the subject.

The author starts with the pre-Modernist poets, who came of age in the late 1800s. These tended to write fairly irrevelant verse in imitation of classical models. Their adherence to norms doesn't mean they were audience-friendly -- rather, they were ignored by the bulk of contemporary American society, who was looking to the novel as the best literary form for the young nation. Then Eliot and Pound get substantial attention. Although these two poets and some of their peers chose to settle in Europe, they continued to reflect on their American upbringings and inspire younger poets back in the US. One strong point of Beach's overview is that he discusses some of the female poets of the Modernist era who have been overlooked in anthologies until now.

After the Modernist stream, the American tradition was in delta. Beach organizes the poets he describes by various schools: the Harlem Renaissance, the Beats, the confessional movement, the New Criticism, etc. The Ashbery, O'Hara and the Language Poets are the last to be described in the book. Very little from the 1980s is discussed, and nothing from the 1990s, though this Cambridge Introduction was published in 2003. It's inexplicable that the author overlooked Jorie Graham, who won a Pulitzer in 1996 for her book THE DREAM OF THE UNIFIED FIELD and has sold more than most other American poets.

In spite of that gap, however, I found this an informative volume. I have a wide knowledge of the subject, and I found coverage of every pre-1990s figure I was familiar with. On the other hand, Beach has introduced me to some figures I've neglected until now, and I look forward to discovering their poems.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable introduction to many interesting poets and approaches to poetry to explore further (in mostly accessible discussion). However, it would have benefited from inclusion of more excerpts or full length poems from the poets mentioned to give more of a feel for each.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Peach did a wonderful job giving an overview of a complex and complicated timeframe. I think he oversimplified pre-Moderns and the New Formalists (he seems actively hostile to the latter movements), but despite this, his narrative is engaging and thorough. His close readings of poems are thoughtful, even if his close readings sometimes feel a bit over-read.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tome is an articulate and efficient guide for anyone absorbed in the massive and multifaceted landscape of modern American poetry. Written with precision and buff, the book serves both as an elementary textbook for newcomers and a nuanced examination for more experienced readers. The author distributes his investigation of American poetry into thematic and chronological sections, opening with the early modernist poets and moving through mid-century movements like the Beat Generation, confessional poetry, and the Black Arts Movement. He closes with deliberations of late-century trends, including postmodern and experimental poetry. This construction allows readers to see how diverse poetic movements and individual poets effect one another over time, creating a lively drapery of literary innovation. Each chapter is succinct but inclusive, offering historical context, close readings of key poems, and considerations of wider cultural and intellectual inclinations. Beach does an admirable job of linking poetry to larger sociopolitical proceedings, such as the Harlem Renaissance's relation to racial identity or the Beats' alliance with countercultural movements. One of the book’s most distinguished strong point is its accessibility. Beach writes with an academic precision that never alienates untrained readers. He strikes an equilibrium between introducing lesser-known poets and providing fresh perspectives on established figures like T.S. Eliot, Robert Frost, and Sylvia Plath. His capability to contextualize their works within larger movements without reducing their individuality is particularly commendable. Another highlight is the book’s focus on diversity. Beach foregrounds the contributions of women, African American poets, and other historically marginalized voices, offering a more inclusive picture of twentieth-century American poetry. Poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, and Adrienne Rich receive considerate responsiveness, underscoring their effect and bequest. While the book is wide-ranging, its brevity sometimes comes at the expense of depth. Readers seeking detailed biographical accounts or extended close readings may find Beach’s analysis somewhat cursory. Additionally, some experimental poets, such as those associated with the Language poetry movement, receive less attention than their historical significance might warrant. To conclude, this book is an excellent resource for readers seeking an accessible yet insightful overview of American poetry from the last century. Christopher Beach’s clear prose and careful selection of topics make the book a valuable entry point into the field. Though it may not satisfy those looking for comprehensive studies, its inclusive scope and all-encompassing approach ensure it will remain an introductory text for scholars and aficionados equally.

[Daniel Saleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dexterous introduction to America's poetic thought and (r)evolution categorized as Modern era ranging from Frost and Pound to Beat Gen. and Black Mountain school.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my Modern American Poetry Class