The Penguin Book of Renaissance Verse

very nice

A great compilation

I've already gradauted with an English degree and am no longer even studying in the field. So - somewhat strangely - I bought this book of verse to read for pleasure. Even after three years of a degree, whilst I'd covered a relatively wide range of material from the period, this book leaves no stone unturned in selecting verses from the Renaissance. From major poets such as Shakespeare, Spenser, Marvell, Herbert and Donne etc to slightly minor figures such as Southwell, Campion, Denham and even Elizabeth I, the entire spectrum is covered. What is great about this volume is that poems are arranged by topic/theme. So all the ones about love are stuck together, religion too and 'topographical verse' etc. It makes the anthology effortless and easy to dip into, with at least a vague idea of what you're looking at; at the same time, if one were studying a certain theme or genre, then this arrangement would be even more invaluable. Considering that I spent a similar amount on the Arden collection on Shakespeare's sonnets, to get an anthology of verse from this golden age which is so thorough and well edited for just over a tenner is remarkable. This is one book which, even if left in the cupboard for a couple of years, will continue to deliver utility and enjoyment for decades to come.

The book arrived in excellent shape and only gently used (I'll feel less inclined to feel bad if I leave it open). Thank you!

I will carry this book with me forever more

A very scholarly book, wide ranging and heavily annotated, too heavily perhaps. And some poems are included which are of historical rather then literary value. But I shall need to come back to this book many times.