The Oxford Book of English Verse

by Christopher Ricks
The Oxford Book of English Verse cover
Good Books rating 4.53
Anthologies (Multi-author)
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Waterstones
Hardback • £23.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1482
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-07
  • ISBN: 9780199691029
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

The Oxford Book of English Verse is a celebrated anthology that spans centuries of English poetry, from the medieval period to the early 1900s. It includes works by renowned poets such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Donne, and Wordsworth, offering a rich tapestry of verse that reflects the cultural and historical developments of the time. /n/n This collection is not only a treasure trove for poetry enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for understanding the linguistic and literary heritage of England. The book is meticulously edited and introduced, providing context and insight into the selected poems and their significance.

Reviews
Kenny's Bookshop · 2025-10-07
strong 4.50

The reviewer appreciates the absence of weak poems and the uniformity in quality. The selection is seen as worth the inclusion, making it a strong anthology.

The reviewer from Kenny's Bookshop notes with approval that the editor has not included any weak poems as concessions to diversity. Instead, the anthology maintains a high standard throughout, with each poem being worth the inclusion. This careful curation is seen as a significant strength, making the anthology a valuable resource for those seeking quality English verse.

Quick quotes

    has included no weak poems as concessions to "diversity"

    the poems in his Oxford Book of English Verse are almost uniformly worth

    a strong anthology

Amazon · 2025-10-06
excellent 4.60

Customers praise this anthology as an excellent collection of English poetry, suitable for studying the genre, and highlight its positive reception.

This anthology has garnered widespread praise from customers who find it to be an excellent collection of English poetry. It is particularly noted for its suitability for studying the genre, making it a valuable resource for both casual readers and scholars. The positive reception highlights the anthology's ability to cater to a wide audience. Reviewers appreciate the thoughtful selection of poems, which offers a comprehensive overview of English poetry. They find the collection both educational and enjoyable, making it a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the rich tradition of English verse.

Quick quotes

    Customers praise this anthology as an excellent collection of English poetry

    Suitable for studying the genre

    The book receives positive reviews from customers

Oxford University Press · 2025-10-06
delightful 4.50

The anthology is noted for its generous and wide-ranging selection, which includes both familiar and lesser-known poems, making it a moving and delightful collection for poetry lovers.

This anthology is highly regarded for its extensive and varied selection of English poetry. It strikes a perfect balance between well-known pieces and lesser-known treasures, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates poetry. The reviewer emphasizes how the anthology's thoughtful curation makes it both educational and enjoyable. They highlight the emotional impact of the collection, noting that it has the power to move and delight readers who have a love for English verse.

Quick quotes

    Generous and wide-ranging, mixing familiar with fresh delights

    This is an anthology to move and delight all who find themselves loving English verse

    A treasure-house of over seven centuries of English poetry

Goodreads · 1999-10-07
delightful 4.50

This anthology is praised for its wide-ranging selection of English poetry, blending familiar and lesser-known works to create a moving and delightful collection. It is seen as a treasure-house of English verse spanning over seven centuries.

This anthology is celebrated for its comprehensive and diverse selection of English poetry. It successfully combines well-known pieces with hidden gems, making it a delightful read for poetry enthusiasts. The collection is described as a treasure-house, offering a rich tapestry of English verse that spans over seven centuries. The reviewer appreciates the thoughtful curation, which makes the anthology both educational and enjoyable. They highlight how the mix of familiar and fresh delights caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Quick quotes

    Generous and wide-ranging, mixing familiar with fresh delights

    An anthology to move and delight all who find themselves loving English verse

    Here is a treasure-house of over seven centuries of English poetry

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