
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
30DIVISION III Verse-forms Occurring in Modern English Poetry Only
2LIST OF EDITIONS REFERRED TO
31CHAPTER XII BLANK VERSE
3ERRATA
32CHAPTER XIII TROCHAIC METRES
4BOOK I. THE LINE
33CHAPTER XIV IAMBIC-ANAPAESTIC AND TROCHAIC-DACTYLIC METRES
5PART I. THE NATIVE METRE
34I. Iambic-anapaestic Metres.
Show all chaptersShow less
6CHAPTER I GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE SCIENCE OF METRE AND THE STRUCTURE OF VERSE
35II. Trochaic-dactylic Metres
7CHAPTER II THE ALLITERATIVE VERSE IN OLD ENGLISH
36CHAPTER XV NON-STROPHIC, ANISOMETRICAL COMBINATIONS OF RHYMED VERSE
8Analysis of the verse types.
37CHAPTER XVI IMITATIONS OF CLASSICAL FORMS OF VERSE AND STANZA
9The Principles of Alliteration.
38BOOK II. THE STRUCTURE OF STANZAS
10The Lengthened Verse
39PART I
11Formation of Stanzas and Rhyme.
40CHAPTER I. DEFINITIONS STANZA, RHYME, VARIETIES OF RHYME
12CHAPTER III THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE FREER FORM OF THE ALLITERATIVE LINE IN LATE OLD ENGLISH AND EARLY MIDDLE ENGLISH
41CHAPTER II THE RHYME AS A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF THE STANZA
13A. Transitional Forms.
42PART II STANZAS COMMON TO MIDDLE AND MODERN ENGLISH, AND OTHERS FORMED ON THE ANALOGY OF THESE
14B. The ‘Proverbs of Alfred’ and Layamon’s ‘Brut’.
43CHAPTER III BIPARTITE EQUAL-MEMBERED STANZAS
15C. The progressive form of the alliterative line, rhymed throughout. ‘King Horn.’
44I. Isometrical stanzas.
16CHAPTER IV THE ALLITERATIVE LINE IN ITS CONSERVATIVE FORM DURING THE FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH CENTURIES
45II. Anisometrical Stanzas.
17A. The alliterative verse without rhyme.
46CHAPTER IV ONE-RHYMED INDIVISIBLE AND BIPARTITE UNEQUAL-MEMBERED STANZAS
18B. The alliterative line combined with rhyme
47I. One-rhymed and indivisible stanzas.
19C. Revival of the old four-beat alliterative verse in the Modern English period.
48II. Bipartite unequal-membered isometrical stanzas.
20PART II. FOREIGN METRES
49III. Bipartite unequal-membered anisometrical stanzas.
21DIVISION I. The Foreign Metres in General CHAPTER V. INTRODUCTION
50CHAPTER V TRIPARTITE STANZAS
22CHAPTER VI VERSE-RHYTHM
51I. Isometrical stanzas.
23CHAPTER VII THE METRICAL TREATMENT OF SYLLABLES
52II. Anisometrical stanzas.
24CHAPTER VIII WORD-ACCENT
53PART III MODERN STANZAS AND METRES OF FIXED FORM ORIGINATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE RENASCENCE, OR INTRODUCED LATER
25I. Word-accent in Middle English.
54CHAPTER VI STANZAS OF THREE AND MORE PARTS CONSISTING OF UNEQUAL PARTS ONLY
26II. Word-accent in Modern English
55CHAPTER VII THE SPENSERIAN STANZA AND FORMS DERIVED FROM IT
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
56CHAPTER VIII THE EPITHALAMIUM STANZA AND OTHER ODIC STANZAS
28CHAPTER X THE SEPTENARY, THE ALEXANDRINE, AND THE THREE-FOOT LINE
57CHAPTER IX THE SONNET
29CHAPTER XI THE RHYMED FIVE-FOOT VERSE
58CHAPTER X OTHER ITALIAN AND FRENCH POETICAL FORMS OF A FIXED CHARACTER