The Longman Dictionary of Poetic Terms

There is no aspect of the craft of poetry that this book doesn't cover. And the entries are concise and readable. I have seen multi-volume sets of books that try to accomplish what this one accomplishes in a single volume. The other books are too wordy *and* leave out too much. Or they focus much on the too orthodox, traditional, and conventional, leaving out recent poetic innovations. This book covers all the traditional devices but also includes cutting-edge developments in the craft of poetry. If you want to learn how to write poetry, there are only two books you need: this one and Jack Myers' Potable Poetry Workshop. The Longman book is exactly what it says it is, a reference book. But each poetic device covered in the book can be a springboard for creativity and experimentation. Myers' Portable Poetry Workshop is also exactly what it claims to be. It's like attending a workshop by the best poetry teacher in the world. It's a fun, hand's-on approach to teaching the craft of poetry. It's the best "How To" book on writing poetry ever written. And I've read dozens. Trust me on this. Take a chance: BUY THIS BOOK AND THE PORTABLE POETRY WORKSHOP! You won't regret it. These two books could keep you busy with your craft the rest of your life without exhausting the poetic devices you learn form them. These two books are one-stop-shopping for people who want to learn how to write poetry. Don't waste your time with other books until you have bought these two. After that you will be in a better position to judge other books on the craft. Myers' two books teach you how to turn any poem into teaching tool. If you start with these two books then progress to books that examine the poems of individual poets, you'll be getting the equivalent of a college education in the art of writing poetry. In other words, after you have learned from these two books, just reading other people's poems will be an education in craft. Then if you will go to the library every now and then and get a book that explains the style of, say, Rilke, or some other poet, you will be getting a top-notch education in the craft of writing poetry. Also, try reading some biographies of poets. Their personalities are often far different than you would have guessed from their poetic style . Learning how they came to be who they are, learn their craft, and make the artistic choices they made can be invaulable for learning the craft of poetry for yourself. But start with the two Jack Myers books I mentioned here. There are bibliographies in both books that will point you in the right direction for anything else you care to know about the craft of poetry. You couldn't even read them all in a lifetime. But you will be able to find just what you're looking for. Jack Myers is a professor of poetry at SMU University and was once poet laureate of the State of Texas. But beyond that, he's an extraordinary teacher, a true genius at teaching a difficult craft. His particular gift is teaching hi