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Poetic Meter and Poetic Form

paul fussell

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Excerpts from distinctive poems illustrate the author's appreciation of the metrical and formal aspects of poetry

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1965

This edition

Format
190 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 1979 by McGraw-Hill
ISBN
9780075536062
ASIN
0075536064
Language
English

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About the author

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paul fussell

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Paul Fussell was an American cultural and literary historian, author and university professor. His writings covered a variety of topics, from scholarly works on eighteenth-century English literature to commentary on America's class system. He was an U.S. Army Infantry officer in the European theater during World War II (103rd U.S. Infantry Division) and was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He is best known for his writings about World War I and II.

He began his teaching career at Connecticut College (1951–55) before moving to Rutgers University in 1955 and finally the University of Pennsylvania in 1983. He also taught at the University of Heidelberg (1957–58) and King's College London (1990–92). As a teacher, he traveled widely with his family throughout Europe during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, taking Fulbright and sabbatical years in Germany, England and France.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 55 votes)
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55 reviews All reviews
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Asphyxial
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Years ago, it was merely a required text for an English class. Once the class was over, I either sold it or gave it away without a second thought. However, as time passed, I found that I had never truly forgotten some of the valuable advice it contained.

Eventually, I decided to replace it. And I'm so glad I did. This book is truly a classic for any reader or writer of poetry. It offers profound insights and inspiration that can enhance one's understanding and appreciation of the art form.

Whether you are a novice exploring the world of poetry or an experienced writer looking for new perspectives, this book has something to offer. It is a timeless gem that deserves a place on every bookshelf.

So, if you haven't already discovered this classic, I highly recommend that you do so. You won't be disappointed.
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KilluaBritannia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is the book that truly helped me to have a profound understanding of metric verse. It is an absolute gem that has the power to transform you into a properly functioning poet. Metric verse is a fascinating form of poetry, and this book delves deep into its various aspects, explaining the rules and techniques in a clear and concise manner. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced poet, this book has something to offer. It provides valuable insights into the rhythm, meter, and rhyme schemes that are essential for creating beautiful and engaging metric verse. By reading this book, you will learn how to use these elements effectively to convey your thoughts and emotions in a powerful and impactful way. So, if you are serious about becoming a better poet, I highly recommend this book.

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NinjasonFG
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I just wish that there was an updated text for postmodernist poetry.

Postmodernist poetry is a complex and evolving field, and an updated text would provide a more comprehensive and contemporary understanding of its various forms, techniques, and themes.

It could explore the latest trends and developments in postmodernist poetry, as well as offer new perspectives and interpretations of classic works.

Moreover, I also wish that Fussel was a little more tolerant towards the unconventional.

While Fussel may have his own preferences and standards when it comes to poetry, being more open-minded and accepting of different styles and approaches would enrich the field and encourage more diverse voices and expressions.

Tolerance allows for a greater range of creative possibilities and helps to break down the boundaries that often limit the growth and innovation of poetry.

By being more tolerant, Fussel could contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant poetic community.
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Cheesegod
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is a rather excellent guide.

It comprehensively covers all the technical minutiae of meter that one could have desired.

In addition to that, it offers a substantial discussion on form.

Moreover, it is replete with numerous excellent examples sourced from a diverse range of places.

It is also embellished with several (presumably then-fashionable) quasi-scientific speculations regarding the allure of meter, form, and so on, mostly quoted from IA Richards.

The only gripe I might have is that its adherence to formalism verges on the normative.

Consequently, this guide might not be of much assistance when approaching any but the most canonically established free verse or experimental poets.

However, with those, one always has to rely on the specific dogmas and theories of their practitioners anyway.

Highly recommended.
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gidoran
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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**Meter**

The meter section of the article was quite useful. It provided a good deal of information about different meters. However, as pointed out by another reviewer, there is an overabundance of examples. This causes the section to seem a bit long-winded and drag on. While the examples are helpful in illustrating the concepts, perhaps a more selective approach could have been taken to make the section more concise and engaging.



**Form**

The form section, on the other hand, was the better of the two. It included discussions on important elements such as line, rhyme, and stanza. Additionally, it covered a selection of standard forms, with a particular emphasis on the sonnet, which is, of course, a well-known and widely studied form. The explanations were clear and easy to understand, making this section a valuable resource for those interested in learning about different poetic forms.

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Emsuge
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have cherished Paul Fussell's writing for numerous years. He is indeed a remarkable writer. Nevertheless, this particular book is not the most straightforward one. In fact, at times, I found myself feeling rather bogged down. I have been picking up this book intermittently over the years and have finally managed to get through it. I would classify this as a graduate-level study. There are other handbooks available on meter and form that would be more suitable as a starting point. They might offer a more accessible introduction to the subject matter, allowing readers to build a solid foundation before delving into the more complex and detailed discussions presented in Fussell's book.

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Shaharar_Islam
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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X-Post with SG

This work turned out to be a bit more intensive than I initially expected. It's not so much an introduction for those who are completely new to poetry, but rather a refresher for those who were formerly familiar with it.

The author's tastes are quite apparent and are actually appreciated. Instead of attempting to "find the good in" what he doesn't like, Fussell is quick to straightforwardly call a poem bad. This honesty gives the reader a clear sense of his perspective.

If you have the ability to distinguish your iamb from your spondee and have managed to make your way through the works of Frost, then this book is definitely for you. It offers a deeper exploration and analysis of poetry that will resonate with those who have a certain level of knowledge and understanding in the field.

Overall, it provides a valuable and engaging read for poetry enthusiasts.
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SpaceGandalf
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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As a novice in the study of meter and form, I was truly captivated by this book.

It is not only interesting but also highly accessible and incredibly illuminating.

Although I currently lack sufficient knowledge on this subject to engage in a point-by-point analysis and agreement or disagreement with the author, his passion for the study shines through clearly.

Moreover, his articulation of the ideas is so effective that they quickly become lucid and understandable.

I would compare him to a professor who has the remarkable ability to introduce his students to a new discipline. Instead of overwhelming them with dry academese and boring them to tears, he manages to spark their interest with his boundless enthusiasm and sharp intelligence.

This makes the learning process not only enjoyable but also highly engaging and fruitful.

Overall, I am extremely grateful to have come across this book and look forward to delving deeper into the world of meter and form under the guidance of this talented author.
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