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The Vagabond Spirit of Poetry Kindle Edition

by Edward Clarke (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 8 ratings
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The Vagabond Spirit of Poetry demonstrates that poems are vital now more than ever because they can transform our relations with each other and with the earth. It acknowledges the awesome power of poems by providing you with fresh ways to apprehend their profound spiritual insights. You will be surprised by how sharp your imagination becomes once you start following the paths opened by Edward Clarke's original readings. This region is full of unexpected turns and pleasant clearings. Beginning in the middle of things with Wordsworth, you will be taken on a journey from Shakespeare to Wallace Stevens. Significant older poets, including Homer, Virgil and Dante, will enliven conversations with the wisest British, Irish and American poets of the modern age. As you proceed, poetry will teach you how to put into practice its perennial wisdom.
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  1. Print length
    221 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Iff Books
  5. Publication date
    October 31, 2014
  6. File size
    2642 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A marvellous counterblast to our two-minute culture, this book draws from the study of poetry an old wisdom that we forget at our peril, the wisdom of attention, the wisdom of repose. In spite of its wide range, The Vagabond Spirit of Poetry doesn't sacrifice an iota of depth, as it reminds us that poetry demands concentration, engagement and the slow growth necessary to the health of the soul." - John Burnside

From the Inside Flap

This book delineates different manifestations of the vagabond spirit of poetry through the ages. In doing so, it makes claims for the efficacy of poetry in our industrialized world, where we are presented with environmental, political and economic challenges.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00NQGOMX6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Iff Books (October 31, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 31, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2642 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 221 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 8 ratings

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Edward Clarke

Edward Clarke

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
8 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

There are 0 reviews and 1 rating from the United States

Top reviews from other countries

WRW
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly refreshing balm for the soul
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
Clarke's book is a must-read, an antidote for anyone who has struggled through books on literary theory, privately feeling that deconstructionism does not speak to their literary sensibilities nor answer their questions about why 'poetry matters'. From its opening pages, Clarke writes with an understated and engaging wit which belies the profundity of his argument: he is no fusty academic sitting in an ivory tower, and recognises only too well the pressures of modern life which make it difficult to slow down and really read poetry. He also recognises that, although we use words to 'order a pint or to enquire about a masticating juicer', the words of great poets can lead us to find 'the greater self that reposes within', if we only take the time to heed their messages.
His tracing of the vagabond spirit of poetry ranges over an astonishing period, and the light touch which makes his book such a delight to read is balanced by the erudition evidenced in his original readings of his well-researched selection of poems, taking in the inheritors of this spirit from Homer to Wallace Stevens. Regardless of whether you agree with Clarke's views, his readings will enable you to see depths and connections which you may not have considered, and will encourage you to read poetry in a new light. You will also find that it is a book which begs to be re-read, and subsequent readings will enhance your appreciation of his views and lead you on a journey of self-discovery.
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Ted Boat
5.0 out of 5 stars vital to everyone and I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who has found their way ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2015
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I can't say I understood all of this book but I know that it has much to communicate to me. The ideas and observations it contains must have been hard won and it would be churlish to expect to come to grips with them in a first reading. Edward Clarke is generous with his knowledge and although clearly a serious academic what he has to say is, I think, vital to everyone and I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who has found their way this far. I would not like to give the impression that this is a difficult book to read- its not- its extremely well written. Its more that its multilayered and deals with important and (for me) complex, yet ultimately simple, ideas. My overall impression is one of being guided through the works of great poets by one who has spent a great deal of time thinking about their work- as much as it casts light it revealed dark corners. But in a way that leaves me wanting to go back for more.
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Flaubertine
5.0 out of 5 stars This 'Vagabond Spirit' is a true vade mecum
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
A thoroughly enjoyable and demanding meditation on poetry that sent me scurrying off to seek out a copy of 'The Prelude'. I know I will return to Edward Clarke's book repeatedly and probably every time I pick up a poetry book.
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James Black
5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant journey into the poetic craft
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
A brilliant journey into the poetic craft, and a guide for anyone who wants to know how to maintain their imagination in an industrialised world.
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Sutton Who?
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
Should be compulsory reading for anyone with an interest in poetry.
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