Publisher's Synopsis
Studies in Poetry and Philosophy by John Campbell Shairp is a rare gem that contextualizes the work of famous poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keble in philosophy. Shairp establishes in the beginning itself that this title is not intended to place these stalwarts in the annals of literary greatness. It is an attempt to understand the psyche, individual thought processes and life experiences of these great poets. And with this understanding, Shairp is able to link their philosophies in life to the poetry they wrote.
Studies in Poetry and Philosophy contains four essays of which three are based on these poets while the last one revolves around a more abstract question about the moving force of moral life. Each essay starts with a brief biography of all each poet. Shairp is able to bring out the linkages between Christianity and the religious beliefs of these men. The most striking notion established by the author throughout this work is the interplay of continuity and change which these poets grapple with in their lives. Each essay has a generous sprinkling of couplets and quotations from the many works of these esteemed poets.
The essay on Wordsworth is especially worth mentioning, as the author is able to deconstruct the complex ideas and phrases used in his poetry to show Wordsworth's appreciation of nature as a living, breathing power rather than an assimilation of the dull and boring as some of his contemporaries saw it. If not for the observations of the author on the synergy between philosophy and poetry, Studies in Poetry and Philosophy is an excellent read for knowing more about these poets - interesting facts and trivia that the reader, whether casual or students of literature and philosophy, may not be able to find in other volumes.
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