
A History of English Versification
Exploring the Evolution of Poetic Forms in English LiteratureBy J. SchipperLength10h 58m
About this audiobook
In "A History of English Versification," J. Schipper meticulously traces the evolution of English poetic forms from their primitive origins to the sophisticated structures of modern poetry. With a keen eye for detail, Schipper employs an analytical literary style that blends historical narrative with critical analysis, exploring the intricate relationship between verse forms and cultural contexts. Each chapter deftly interweaves examples from landmark poets, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the technical and aesthetic choices that have shaped English verse, including rhyme, meter, and stanzaic structures. Schipper's command of the subject is evident as he situates these poetic traditions within broader literary movements, reflecting on how societal changes influenced poetic practices over centuries. J. Schipper, a distinguished scholar of English literature, draws upon his extensive academic background and passion for poetry to illuminate the complex history of verse. His previous works have garnered acclaim for their incisive readings and contextual insights, establishing him as a leading voice in the field. Schipper's dedication to understanding how historical contexts sculpt poetic expression has led him to this ambitious work, offering a profound exploration of the artistry of English verse. This book is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and poetry enthusiasts alike, providing not only a historical overview but also a rich analysis of the art of versification. Schipper'Äôs engaging prose makes complex ideas accessible, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and craft of poetry through the ages. A must-read for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of English literary heritage.
Audiobook details
GenrePoetry
Length10 hrs 58 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 13, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2LIST OF EDITIONS REFERRED TO
3ERRATA
4BOOK I. THE LINE
5PART I. THE NATIVE METRE
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6CHAPTER I GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE SCIENCE OF METRE AND THE STRUCTURE OF VERSE
7CHAPTER II THE ALLITERATIVE VERSE IN OLD ENGLISH
8Analysis of the verse types.
9The Principles of Alliteration.
10The Lengthened Verse
11Formation of Stanzas and Rhyme.
12CHAPTER III THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE FREER FORM OF THE ALLITERATIVE LINE IN LATE OLD ENGLISH AND EARLY MIDDLE ENGLISH
13A. Transitional Forms.
14B. The ‘Proverbs of Alfred’ and Layamon’s ‘Brut’.
15C. The progressive form of the alliterative line, rhymed throughout. ‘King Horn.’
16CHAPTER IV THE ALLITERATIVE LINE IN ITS CONSERVATIVE FORM DURING THE FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH CENTURIES
17A. The alliterative verse without rhyme.
18B. The alliterative line combined with rhyme
19C. Revival of the old four-beat alliterative verse in the Modern English period.
20PART II. FOREIGN METRES
21DIVISION I. The Foreign Metres in General CHAPTER V. INTRODUCTION
22CHAPTER VI VERSE-RHYTHM
23CHAPTER VII THE METRICAL TREATMENT OF SYLLABLES
24CHAPTER VIII WORD-ACCENT
25I. Word-accent in Middle English.
26II. Word-accent in Modern English
27DIVISION II Verse-forms Common to the Middle and Modern English Periods CHAPTER IX LINES OF EIGHT FEET, FOUR FEET, TWO FEET, AND ONE FOOT
28CHAPTER X THE SEPTENARY, THE ALEXANDRINE, AND THE THREE-FOOT LINE
29CHAPTER XI THE RHYMED FIVE-FOOT VERSE
30DIVISION III Verse-forms Occurring in Modern English Poetry Only
31CHAPTER XII BLANK VERSE
32CHAPTER XIII TROCHAIC METRES
33CHAPTER XIV IAMBIC-ANAPAESTIC AND TROCHAIC-DACTYLIC METRES
34I. Iambic-anapaestic Metres.
35II. Trochaic-dactylic Metres
36CHAPTER XV NON-STROPHIC, ANISOMETRICAL COMBINATIONS OF RHYMED VERSE
37CHAPTER XVI IMITATIONS OF CLASSICAL FORMS OF VERSE AND STANZA
38BOOK II. THE STRUCTURE OF STANZAS
39PART I
40CHAPTER I. DEFINITIONS STANZA, RHYME, VARIETIES OF RHYME
41CHAPTER II THE RHYME AS A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF THE STANZA
42PART II STANZAS COMMON TO MIDDLE AND MODERN ENGLISH, AND OTHERS FORMED ON THE ANALOGY OF THESE
43CHAPTER III BIPARTITE EQUAL-MEMBERED STANZAS
44I. Isometrical stanzas.
45II. Anisometrical Stanzas.
46CHAPTER IV ONE-RHYMED INDIVISIBLE AND BIPARTITE UNEQUAL-MEMBERED STANZAS
47I. One-rhymed and indivisible stanzas.
48II. Bipartite unequal-membered isometrical stanzas.
49III. Bipartite unequal-membered anisometrical stanzas.
50CHAPTER V TRIPARTITE STANZAS