The Shapes of Our Singing: A Comprehensive Guide to Verse Forms and Metres from Around the World

by Robin Skelton

In The Shapes of Our Singing, Robin Skelton presents all the major and most of the minor verse forms from the poetic traditions of the entire world. Skelton gives a synopsis and list of rules for each form, and brings each form to life with an original poem, making this not only an invaluable resource but a moving testament to the poetic impulse. Featuring over 300 verse forms, The Shapes of Our Singing is Robin Skelton's "magnus opus," the culmination of many years of research, study, and creative effort. -The first-ever true global description of verse forms. -Over 300 different forms described, demonstrated, and explained. -Sample cultures covered in this Classical Greek & Latin, Italian, English, Czech, Cornish, Ethiopian, Irish, French, German, Hebrew, Javanese, Korean, Japanese, Latvian, Mongolian, Old Norse, Persian, Sanskrit, Swahili, Sumerian, Spanish, Welsh, Thai, and Yiddish. - Full metrical explanations. - Concise, easy to understand descriptions of the verse forms. - Introduction, note on selection, and an explanation of terminology.

Genres: Poetry, Writing

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

About the author

Robin Skelton was a writer and poet. He also wrote as Georges Zuk.

Reviews

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't exaggerate when I say that I think this is a masterwork of literature. Not only did Skelton research and compile over 300 different poetic forms from all kinds of cultures and languages, but he also managed to write a beautiful and thoughtful example of each and every one. The poems completely stand on their own feet but also serve as an incredible reference point when I'm stuck on a poem of my own or just feeling a little formally adventurous. Can't recommend it enough if you're as much of a nerd as I am!

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of poetry from various cultures. The explanation of the mechanics is a little lacking and brief, or completely omitted in a few sections. There are also "inventions" in a few spaces that reflect new forms or variations on forms by the author, which isn't really what the premise was advertising. Overall this is a useful book for the examples it provides but it's definitely geared towards people who have a solid poetry background.

[GORDON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, one of a kind guide to verse forms around the world by the Master poet Robin Skelton. Ghost hunter, poet and witch, Skelton brought rare acumen, discipline and raw talent to this final work, published posthumously.

[Gordon Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book in the English language on metrical forms from around the world. Skelton's last work, published posthumously, this out of print text is worth hunting down.