The Oxford Book of Poetry

by Walt Whitman, Robert Louis Stevenson, Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare, George MacDonald, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Emily Brontë, William Wordsworth, George Meredith, Andrew Lang, Edmund Spenser, Julius Caesar, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Christopher Marlowe, Rudyard Kipling, Robert Burns, Thomas Love Peacock, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Gilbert Parker, Robert Browning, Oliver Goldsmith, John Milton, Virgil, William Blake, Ovid, Geoffrey Chaucer, Alexander Pope, John Keats, T. W. Rolleston, William Butler Yeats, Alfred Tennyson, Sir Walter Scott, Quintus Tullius Cicero, Claudius, Porcius Licinius, Gaius Maecenas, Numa Pompilius, Sir Thomas Wyatt, Sir Walter Raleigh

2023 · Good Press

In 'The Oxford Book of Poetry,' readers are invited to explore an expansive compendium that captures the essence of poetic expression through the ages. This anthology brings together an illustrious array of voices 'Äî from the evocative sonnets of Shakespeare to the Romantic musings of Wordsworth, the visionary verses of Blake, and the haunting cadences of Poe. The collection traverses numerous literary movements, showcasing a tapestry of emotion and thought ranging from epic narratives to lyrical reflection. It stands as a testament to the profound ability of poetry to transcend the confines of its time, capturing universal themes that resonate through the ages. The contributing authors in this collection are literary giants who have each left indelible marks on the world of poetry and literature. Spanning a vast timeline that includes the Classical wisdom of Virgil and Ovid, the Renaissance brilliance of Marlowe and Wyatt, and the innovative prowess of modern poets like Yeats and Tennyson, these poets collectively contribute to a rich cultural dialogue. This anthology aligns with movements from the pastoral traditions to Romantic revolutions, offering a kaleidoscope of perspectives that reflect the evolving human experience. For readers and scholars alike, 'The Oxford Book of Poetry' offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse and profound collection of poetic works. It allows one to traverse centuries of human thought and artistry, making the anthology an invaluable resource for understanding the depth and breadth of poetic exploration. As an educational tool and a source of endless insight, this anthology fosters meaningful dialogue and introspection, encouraging readers to discover and appreciate the enduring power of poetry across time and culture.

The Modern Christmas in America

by William Waits

1994 · NYU Press

In days of old, Christmas was defined by the custom of exchanging simple handmade gifts. Today, it has become a multi-billion industry, synonymous with commercialism and consumption. How did this transformation occur? In this incisive and engaging examination of how Christmas has evolved since 1880, Waits chronicles the history of the holiday, from its origin to its current form. The book is illustrated with dozens of historical photographs and will be of interest to cultural and social historians alike. Christmas was a relatively modest occasion in the English- speaking world, celebrated by the exchange of modest handmade gifts, until the Victorians invested the holiday with immense significance as part of a larger effort to celebrate home, family, and a mythic past of well-ordered communities. By the late 19th century, Christmas had become a major American festival. Today, it is a multi-billion dollar industry and easily the most important seasonal event of the year. In this survey of the modern American Christmas, William Waits shows us how this holiday emerged, tracing its evolution from the days prior to 1880 when people presented one another with simple crafted presents to the turn of the century when industrialization brought with it waves of inexpensive, tawdry gimcracks. In the early twentieth century, reform-minded Americans reflecting on the new Christmas prompted a backlash against this cheapening of the Yule tradition, and the Christmas card was born. Henceforth, family members and close friends exchanged useful, costly items, while cards were sent to acquaintances and distant relatives. These reformers also persuaded retail stores to keep their regular hours of business during the holiday, rather than lengthening them, to give trade workers the opportunity to join in the celebration. They also rationalized the collection and distribution of holiday charity, resulting in the Christmas celebration we have today. Waits's book clearly illustrates that the notion that Christmas is uncontrollable is simply untrue. An incisive and engaging history of giftgiving, The Modern Christmas in Americaalso examines the differing traditions of giftgiving to friends, employees, the poor, and among entire communities. Handsomely illustrated with dozens of historical photographs, this book is not only the perfect holiday gift but will also be of interest to any student of American history and culture.