Poetry

"Poetry by Arthur Quiller-Couch" is a collection of critical essays and reflections on the nature of poetry itself, written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a discourse on the relationship between the inner harmony of human emotions and the external harmony of the universe, exploring how poetry acts as a bridge to reconcile the two. It discusses the role of poets as interpreters of universal truths and harmony, emphasizing the significance of language and thought in the poetic process. In this book, Quiller-Couch engages deeply with the philosophical aspects of poetry, drawing from various literary traditions and notable poets. He argues that poetry is not merely about crafting beautiful verses; it involves a profound understanding of universal themes and the human experience. Through examples from classical and contemporary works, he illustrates how poetry captures essential truths about existence, emotion, and the transformative power of language. His exploration includes comparisons between poetry and other forms of art, particularly music and philosophy, while asserting poetry's unique ability to express complex human emotions and ideals. Overall, it is a thoughtful examination of the artistic process and its significance in human life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British writer who published using the pseudonym Q. Although a prolific novelist, he is remembered mainly for the monumental publication The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 and for his literary criticism. He influenced many who never met him, including American writer Helene Hanff, author of 84, Charing Cross Road and its sequel, Q's Legacy. His The Oxford Book of English Verse was a favourite of John Mortimer's fictional character Horace Rumpole.