World War One British Poets: Brooke, Owen, Sassoon, Rosenberg and Others (Unabridged)

I have to admit that I, too, have never been a fan of poetry. Light and fluffy verses about unrequited love and beautiful nature and wandering lonely as a cloud are not really my cup of tea; in fact, I think the reason many of us males hate poetry is specifically because that kind of poetry turned us off in high school. Well, needless to say, this collection of poems is different.Really, this is poetry doing what it does best--moving the imagination and emotions to allow the reader to experience the feelings the poet wants to convey. What makes these poems powerful is the fact that they communicate the horrors, cost, and sacrifice of one of the most brutal wars in history. It's hard not to be changed by the gritty, realistic depictions of life in the trenches, and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the horrors of war and greater respect for the sacrifices soldiers make for their country.This collection is by no means exhaustive, but it does include the poems of the major British war poets (and then some). Wilfred Owen is my personal favorite and I've read almost all his work before purchasing this book; even so, I'm pleased with the poems they selected for this collection. Hopefully, the publisher's good taste applies to the other poets as well. I do like the fact that they include pro-war poets, such as Rupert Brooke, with anti-war poets such as Siegfried Sassoon; it really helps give a fuller picture of the attitudes and ideas surrounding this unpopular (in Britain, at least) war. Again, this book is by no means a complete collection, but its brevity can actually be a boon if you're interested in simply reading the poetry of the time without getting bogged down with notes.If you're planning on writing a research paper on one of these poets, look elsewhere; the introductions are extremely brief and incomplete. The best place to learn more about the poets of World War I is at the First World War Poetry Digital Archive; there, you can get free online access to detailed biographies of each poet as well as other resources, including scans of their personal correspondence.World War I poetry is powerful, moving stuff; this book is a great way to experience it.

I bought this as part of my reading to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WWI, but this little gem is worth adding to the home library to be read again and again. A brief bio- introduces each of the poets, followed by their selected poems. Combined, a history of the war comes through; beautifully written poetry about an ugly truth. By all means read the poems aloud to best appreciate them. It is an emotional experience and the tears that come are a respectful tribute. Rupert Brooke's "The Soldier," Wilfred Owen's "Arms and the Boy," Walter de la Mare's "How Sleep the Brave," Robert Graves' "When I'm Killed," to name a few. And of course one poem that is a must every Memorial Day, "In Flanders Fields," by John McCrae.

I came late to the appreciation of poetry. I've been an avid reader of the different forms of prose for decades. My appreciation of poetry began with a better understanding of the art and mechanics of a poem. The Poet's Handbook by Judson Jerome helped me understand poetry better. Then I picked up a couple of books of poetry--and with a more sophisticated understanding of poetry--I had an elevated appreciation of the poems in these books.I searched Amazon for different books of poetry and came across the "Dover Thrift Edition". These are excellent,inexpensive,small compilations of poems--that are well worth the price. I highly recommend these poetry collections. I recently purchased "World War One-British Poets"--and I wasn't disappointed. I've been reading a great deal about that horrible,bloody war lately and the poetry from the war written mostly by poet-soldiers(some whom lost their lives in the war) was extremely sad and very moving. I especially enjoyed the poetry of Wilfred Owen and Issac Rosenberg--both of whom obviously had tremendous potential as poets and writers but unfortunately they perished during this terrible conflict. The Dover collection includes probably the most famous poem from WW1--"In Flanders Field"--an extremely moving--anti-war poem which captures the futility and sadness of death in just a few eloquent and beautiful lines. There are a few poems that a poetry novice like myself wasn't overly impressed with--but overall it is a collection of poems worth reading and then reading again and perhaps again.

A slim volume of WWI poetry belies the depth of meaning in the notable works. A compendium of British WWI Poets are accessibly organized by poet with a biography and review of each poet. A meaningful read and heartrending glimpse into the agonizing devastation of trench warfare, and the universal pity of war --a new library find for me.I Highly recommend this for everyone, not just those interested in poetry or those curious about the era. The brevity of the poems and the modernity of the style is powerful, and easily understood by anyone; the meanings of which linger long after reading.

I got this copy very cheap and was actually really happy with the product. It's a very thin book, but the poetry within is extraordinary. It's so gripping, haunting and descriptive. Sassoon and Owen are favorites of mine. My copy was used but practically looked new. Fast delivery, great product. If you're thinking about buying it, just go ahead and do it. :)

The poems in this book are the legacy of a generation. This volume contains brief biographical information about each poet. The strength of purpose, the lives sacrificed, the loss to the world of so many, are timeless reminders of "the war to end all wars" that must be remembered. This slim volume is priceless. The words and thoughts have lived on through generations -- generations that owe much to these poets and soldiers.

The media could not be loaded.  Livrinho pequeno, mas excelente. Um tipo de leitura diferente, tb conta uma breve história dos soldados. Um deles escreveu alguns poemas criticando toda situação, e esses poemas foram usados como forma de propaganda pró-guerra.

Excellent book. Highly recommended.

The poems are very meaningful and thought-provoking and can give some idea as to what British soldiers went through during these times. Very good read and definitely recommend.

Intéressant car il reprend les principaux écrivains poètes de la première guerre mondiale; c'est un grand pas de découverte de ce type de littérature avant d'aborder d'autres auteurs; lors de commémorations sur des sites britanniques, des poèmes de ces auteurs sont lus par des personnalités( ex auteurs Thomas, Sassoon, Owen, Kipling)

This is an amazing collection of poems written by soldiers actually fighting on the killing fields of the WW1. The agony of facing death, or severe injury is portrayed by the men themselves. How in the midst of battle, the Muse inspired them is astonishing. You cannot read this book at one sitting---it's too heart-wrenching. If I HAD to choose, the best effort is Owen's in "Dulce et Decorum est " the poet says and all should agree that we must never tell our young folks---that it is kind and well honourable to die for one's country. That it can never be to die in wars into which old leaders lead us. This is a superb buy. Millions died in that war-----