PENGUIN ENGLISH VERSE: VOL. 3

This set contains the work of British and Irish poets who wrote from the sixteenth century to the end of WWI. Very long poems have been excluded although an occasional excerpt from a longer poem is included. This is a spectacular tapestry of genres, forms, styles, textures and tone. Although each volume covers a literary period, the poems are not arranged chronologically on each tape. Rather, the editor says, "Criteria for rhythmic balance and tonal contrast have prevailed." To put it simply: this program is a stunning accomplishment. The readers--3 women and 6 men--are accomplished British readers, who all read with distinction. Documentation is superb. Each volume includes a small paperback containing a list of poems, poets and readers, as well as the full text of each selection. While this program may be, as the editor says, an "anthology for the ear," it is also a gift for the heart and mind. P.B.J. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 97]