English Readings
English Readings
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The Wanderer, translated from the Anglo-Saxon and read by Michael Blackburn
For this translation of the Anglo-Saxon poem, The Wanderer, I have avoided trying to imitate the alliterative technique of the original and employed a more neutral diction. I have, however, cast the poem into unrhyming octosyllabic lines in order to retain some internal structuring and to give the verse a sense of measure.
Image is from a photograph of Tupholme Abbey (Lincolnshire) in winter.
zhlédnutí: 428

Video

Argos the Dog, from The Odyssey, translated by T E Lawrence.
zhlédnutí 4,1KPřed 2 lety
One of those short but moving moments in Homer's Odyssey, this time when Odysseus in disguise is recognised by his dog, Argos, after twenty years. This version is translated by T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and is taken from The Oxford Book of Greek Verse in Translation, edited by Higham and Bowra (Oxford, 1942). Image from the internet.
Hazlitt: The Spirit of Humanity in Shakespeare
zhlédnutí 74Před 3 lety
This extract from an essay by William Hazlitt, "The Spirit of Humanity in Shakespeare", appears in The Oxford Book of English Prose, ed. Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, Oxford/Clarendon Press, 1958. It discusses Shakespeare's compassion in portraying low-life characters such as Shallow, Bardolph, Nym, etc. Recording is a little rough; some ambient sound, eg, page turning, thunder and rain. Illustrati...
The Peregrine by J A Baker, an extract
zhlédnutí 929Před 3 lety
An extract from AJ Baker's classic, The Peregrine (HarperCollins, 2015) - October 12th. Read by MIchael Blackburn. Baker's work is more than a nature book - it's the finest piece of writing by an English author since the end of the Second World War. It transcends its genre. In this extract Baker recounts following a peregrine to the shore where it attacks and kills a dunlin.
Now Is The Time For The Burning of the Leaves, by Binyon, read by Michael Blackburn
zhlédnutí 288Před 3 lety
This is the first section of Laurence Binyon's poem: THE BURNING OF THE LEAVES ` Now is the time for the burning of the leaves. They go to the fire; the nostril pricks with smoke Wandering slowly into a weeping mist. Brittle and blotched, ragged and rotten sheaves! A flame seizes the smouldering ruin and bites On stubborn stalks that crackle as they resist. The last hollyhock’s fallen tower is ...
Brief Thoughts on Auden's "There Will Be No Peace"
zhlédnutí 182Před 3 lety
A few comments on Auden's poem on haters. If you enjoyed this or any of my other podcasts please consider making a donation (helps me eke out my pension) - www.paypal.me/SunkIsland Many thanks.
Baden-Powell on Citizenship and Pulling Things Down
zhlédnutí 77Před 4 lety
Robert Baden-Powell (1857 - 1941) was a decorated soldier, a writer and the founder of the international scout movement. These extracts are from his classic book, Scouting for Boys, which laid the foundations for the scouting movement. The text used is from the original 1908 edition (edited with intro by Elleke Boehmer; Oxford University Press, 2005). If you enjoyed this or any of my other podc...
Thomas Carlyle on Dante's portrayal of the doomed lovers, Paolo and Francesca.
zhlédnutí 73Před 4 lety
This extract is from Thomas Carlyle's essay, "The Hero as Poet," contained in Hero Worship. It deals with Dante's powerful and famous portrayal of the two lovers, Paolo and Francesca (in the Inferno). "Painting," in this context, refers to Dante's verbal skills, not to the illustration. The illustration is by Henry Fuseli, "Dante Observing the Soaring Souls of Paolo and Francesca." The excerpt ...
"Montaigne" by W H Auden
zhlédnutí 114Před 4 lety
Auden's poem about Michel de Montaigne. Poem from the Faber edition (1981) of Auden's Collected Shorter Poems. Picture of Montaigne courtesy of Wikipedia. If you enjoyed this or any of my other podcasts please consider buying me a pint (or a bottle of red, I don’t mind) - www.paypal.me/SunkIsland Thanks.
Swinburne - "no ordinary drunkard." An extract from Le Gallienne's book, The Romantic '90s.
zhlédnutí 60Před 4 lety
The poet and author, Richard Le Gallienne (1866 - 1947), tells how the infamous poet, Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837 - 1909), managed to get his regular tipple without being found out by his friend and guardian, Watts-Dunton. Swinburne, according to Le Gallienne, was “no ordinary drunkard.” Well, no, he was a poet, after all. This extract is taken from Le Gallienne’s book, The Romantic ‘90s; ...
There Will Be No Peace by W H Auden, read by Michael Blackburn
zhlédnutí 370Před 4 lety
There Will Be No Peace One of Auden’s less well-known poems. Apposite in many situations. From: Collected Shorter Poems 1927-1957, Faber & Faber, London, 1966. Image credit - blog.bestamericanpoetry.com/the_best_american_poetry/auden/ If you enjoyed this or any of my other podcasts please consider making a donation (helps me eke out my pension) - www.paypal.me/SunkIsland Many thanks.
The Farms Of Home by A E Housman
zhlédnutí 50Před 4 lety
The poem is taken from More Poems by A E Housman. Centennial Edition of Complete Poems, ed. Basil Davenport; Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1959. If you have enjoyed this podcast or others on my channel please consider showing your appreciation by making a donation, however small, to www.paypal.me/SunkIsland
Nobbut God by Norman Nicholson, read by Michael Blackburn
zhlédnutí 201Před 4 lety
Norman Nicholson (1914-1987) was a fine poet who lived most of his life in Cumbria. “Nobbut God” is taken from Sea To The West, published by Faber and Faber in 1981. For those not acquainted with Yorkshire/northern dialect, "nobbut" =" nothing but" or "only". The epigraph to the poem reads: "First on, there was nobbut God. Genesis, Chap1, v.1., Yorkshire Dialect Translation." The photo is court...
Conrad's Other Darkness, a microlecture on Heart of Darkness.
zhlédnutí 36Před 4 lety
We are used to the idea that the heart of darkness is to be found in man but not so used to seeing it also lying outside. In Conrad's Heart of Darkness the natural world is not innocent. If you have enjoyed this podcast or others on my channel please consider showing your appreciation by making a donation, however small, to www.paypal.me/SunkIsland The introductory music is played by Jon Sayles...
Aristocrats, by Keith Douglas
zhlédnutí 571Před 4 lety
Keith Douglas was the finest British poet of the Second World War. After fighting in the North African desert he took part in the invasion of Europe and died in Normandy at the age of just 24. The version of the poem here is the original one and is, to my mind, superior to the revised version. The text is from the Faber edition of Selected Poems, chosen and introduced by Ted Hughes (London, 196...
An extract from The South Country by Edward Thomas, read by Michael Blackburn
zhlédnutí 106Před 5 lety
An extract from The South Country by Edward Thomas, read by Michael Blackburn
"Was it a dream?" - An amorous sonnet by Edmund Spenser (Amoretti LXXVII) read by Michael Blackburn.
zhlédnutí 247Před 5 lety
"Was it a dream?" - An amorous sonnet by Edmund Spenser (Amoretti LXXVII) read by Michael Blackburn.
The Erotic Nerve; from A Glastonbury Romance by John Cowper Powys
zhlédnutí 745Před 5 lety
The Erotic Nerve; from A Glastonbury Romance by John Cowper Powys
The Poet Holds His Future In His Hand, a poem by B S Johnson read by Michael Blackburn
zhlédnutí 294Před 5 lety
The Poet Holds His Future In His Hand, a poem by B S Johnson read by Michael Blackburn
The Spectator, the first article (1711), read by Michael Blackburn.
zhlédnutí 435Před 5 lety
The Spectator, the first article (1711), read by Michael Blackburn.
The Little Dancers by Binyon: a reading and microlecture
zhlédnutí 95Před 5 lety
The Little Dancers by Binyon: a reading and microlecture
Scum of the Earth by Koestler: an extract read by Michael Blackburn
zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed 5 lety
Scum of the Earth by Koestler: an extract read by Michael Blackburn
A brief intro to the poet, Brian Higgins.
zhlédnutí 44Před 5 lety
A brief intro to the poet, Brian Higgins.
The Necessity of Freedom of Speech - J S Mill, On Liberty (a brief extract)
zhlédnutí 155Před 5 lety
The Necessity of Freedom of Speech - J S Mill, On Liberty (a brief extract)
“Settle thine imagination, thou art well” - extract from The Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton
zhlédnutí 168Před 5 lety
“Settle thine imagination, thou art well” - extract from The Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton
John Locke on reading properly (Of the Conduct of the Understanding)
zhlédnutí 357Před 6 lety
John Locke on reading properly (Of the Conduct of the Understanding)
Stella, the social justice warrior; in Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock (1818)
zhlédnutí 151Před 6 lety
Stella, the social justice warrior; in Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock (1818)
Ken Smith, poet: a personal recollection and two poems.
zhlédnutí 124Před 6 lety
Ken Smith, poet: a personal recollection and two poems.
The fierce joy of Merry England (from Storm Jameson's The Decline of Merry England)
zhlédnutí 260Před 6 lety
The fierce joy of Merry England (from Storm Jameson's The Decline of Merry England)
On the English, by Santayana; for St George's Day
zhlédnutí 94Před 6 lety
On the English, by Santayana; for St George's Day

Komentáře

  • @faded_ace5144
    @faded_ace5144 Před měsícem

    The saddest part though is that Odysseus had been disguised in order for the people at his home to not discover his true identity. However the dog saw past the disguise given to him by a God and died there having waited for him all that time. A thousand year old story that shows people still admired dog's perception and loyalty to us.

  • @sallybilzon3507
    @sallybilzon3507 Před 2 měsíci

    Of course, context helps to aid the meaning you take from it. For my husband it’s a childhood lost and also a country lost.

  • @b.alexanderjohnstone9774
    @b.alexanderjohnstone9774 Před 4 měsíci

    I have started trying to memorise some favourite lines and these beautiful poems are so achievable, I guess it's the rhyme. If anyone else is coming very late to poetry, our cultural legacy, it's well worth doing and not so impossible as one might assume. No one can take them from you, the words abide.

  • @shawkigahrani9589
    @shawkigahrani9589 Před 4 měsíci

    Thank you very much for this great explanation 😊

  • @lvyongping
    @lvyongping Před 4 měsíci

    histories make men wise

  • @user-pt3ge6ys2v
    @user-pt3ge6ys2v Před 7 měsíci

    Brian Higgins is not forgotten as a poet, certainly not by his family and relatives, who recognized then and and remember still his rare combination of gifts and talents.

  • @fanwee5048
    @fanwee5048 Před 9 měsíci

    Good job, Argos. Odysseus is home safe, you can rest now. ❤

  • @neroidius6915
    @neroidius6915 Před 11 měsíci

    This story is over 2000 years old. Even way back then, dog deaths were the saddest parts of stories. They truly are man’s best friend, dogs have always had a special place and emotional significance in the hearts of humans since our beginnings and they always will ❤

  • @devourmevoid
    @devourmevoid Před rokem

    is it necessary to read Wolf Solent before Glastonbury? how much are they connected

    • @clutekiggle
      @clutekiggle Před 3 měsíci

      9 months late, but if you are still wondering - it is not necessary. Connections are thematic, not plot-related.

  • @ŚĘŁÁH-111
    @ŚĘŁÁH-111 Před rokem

    " For Whom the Bell Tolls" by John Donne. Meditation no. 17 from "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions" (1624): "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a cloud be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore NEVER SIN to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

  • @andrewstefanik3210
    @andrewstefanik3210 Před rokem

    All these years out from an undergrad in English Literature... This poem struck me like a lightening bolt, just as did that beautiful, sweet girl who back then first taught me Love. A first and true love I couldn't sustain. And since, I have became this poem.

  • @idecantwellbarnes6707

    Greetings and thank you for a rich interpretation of this very visual, very lonesome poem

  • @FourLoopMedia
    @FourLoopMedia Před rokem

    Poor argos :/ such a good boy

    • @carlosmparada1
      @carlosmparada1 Před rokem

      Dogs and their unconditional love are so exemplary, they're absolutely the best.

  • @emmamcevilly3276
    @emmamcevilly3276 Před rokem

    One of my favorite poems

  • @petersmernoff9590
    @petersmernoff9590 Před rokem

    Am now reading this incredible, 1100-page book. No writer in the world like J.C. Powys!

  • @marksobieski8435
    @marksobieski8435 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for this wonderful rendition. Beautiful.

  • @iceyred6668
    @iceyred6668 Před 2 lety

    //nd.D Army/Jermanyii/Sr.>

  • @nickprohoroff3720
    @nickprohoroff3720 Před 2 lety

    "And the dialectical training to call a table a fish pond!"- that just about summerises todays political madness.

  • @rodneycooperLMSCoach
    @rodneycooperLMSCoach Před 2 lety

    I discovered this poem just a few years after I lost my dear wife. Every line meant so much to me and I will never forget it.

    • @only1timmo
      @only1timmo Před 2 lety

      So sorry for your lose. Do you please mind explaining why the poem reminded you so much of your fear late wife? Regards, Tim

  • @nickandmikec
    @nickandmikec Před 2 lety

    I have taught English and I publish poetry. This guy is so full of himself and so willing to complicate Pound's poem. It's an old saw: "We murder to dissect" (Wordsworth).. "Professors" like this make me sick. He's a pedant.

  • @tomginn3091
    @tomginn3091 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for this

  • @2msvalkyrie529
    @2msvalkyrie529 Před 2 lety

    Stella was obviously unaware of her " white privilege ".

  • @mattyboiii2727
    @mattyboiii2727 Před 2 lety

    00:49

  • @jimthompson606
    @jimthompson606 Před 2 lety

    Your reading brings out such depth in the poem for me. Thank you.

  • @MrBoybergs
    @MrBoybergs Před 3 lety

    Perfect

  • @jamesbentonticer4706
    @jamesbentonticer4706 Před 3 lety

    The most beautiful, well written bird book ever published.

  • @chloeeee4661
    @chloeeee4661 Před 3 lety

    This video saved my grade

  • @luvah_orc5781
    @luvah_orc5781 Před 3 lety

    Really enjoyed it.

  • @sabahalsowaifan5352
    @sabahalsowaifan5352 Před 3 lety

    Hi can make a video of imagism as how to use or analyze or a movement

  • @nataliemcgregor7567
    @nataliemcgregor7567 Před 3 lety

    im supposed to analyze this poem for English. is the main idea that people criticise others for no reason, or that people will become jealous of others for their successes? or something else? feeling confused love natalie <3

    • @EnglishReadings
      @EnglishReadings Před 3 lety

      Both of your interpretations could be correct. I've just posted another piece that may shed some light on the poem.

  • @brushbros
    @brushbros Před 3 lety

    Meanwhile Germany was investing its efforts in science and industry.

  • @PoorHoward9
    @PoorHoward9 Před 4 lety

    Poorly recorded: 2 poems read almost simultaneiously.

  • @videocurios
    @videocurios Před 4 lety

    Thanks excellent reading captures the tone of this much misunderstood and underated poem

  • @rrozoff1
    @rrozoff1 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for sharing this and sharing my affection for and appreciation of Blunden and his work.

  • @AusumnVid
    @AusumnVid Před 4 lety

    What metro station?? And when did EP say so, I can't find it anywhere.

    • @EnglishReadings
      @EnglishReadings Před 4 lety

      La Concorde. As recounted by Pound in an article, "How I Began", in TP's Weekly (1913) and referenced in various publications, including Noel Stock's The Life of Ezra Pound (p.170, the 1974 edition).

    • @AusumnVid
      @AusumnVid Před 4 lety

      Thank you so much!! I could make out what you said in the video ... probably because it's in French 😅

  • @montsemajanmartinez9824

    Many luminaries of this period can be seen in this painting, most notable of which is Oscar Wilde, who can be seen in the foreground wearing a top hat, up turned head, notebook in hand.

  • @briancornish2076
    @briancornish2076 Před 4 lety

    cant get enough of this

  • @Kettydietista
    @Kettydietista Před 4 lety

    Thank you! It helps a lot!

  • @cinnamongirl5410
    @cinnamongirl5410 Před 4 lety

    prophet

  • @gozdeylmaz7495
    @gozdeylmaz7495 Před 5 lety

    Thank you so much, your explanation made me understand the poem and view it in a new light

  • @nadinetaylor2449
    @nadinetaylor2449 Před 5 lety

    brilliant thank u

  • @jonathanbosco8458
    @jonathanbosco8458 Před 5 lety

    Thank you for the missing verse usually not read.

  • @MichaelThallium
    @MichaelThallium Před 5 lety

    Thank you for your contribution to disseminate Santayana's work.

  • @pug_frost7246
    @pug_frost7246 Před 5 lety

    This is a great video. Thank you so much for posting it.

  • @val3b33
    @val3b33 Před 6 lety

    Thanks!

  • @2004HondaCivic
    @2004HondaCivic Před 6 lety

    Amazing book. Can't wait to read it again.

  • @hadows3533
    @hadows3533 Před 6 lety

    William Powell,1881

  • @melcomepay6668
    @melcomepay6668 Před 6 lety

    I wish he had written air that THRILLS , please remember Houseman's view. that poetry should be understood with, or by our EMOTIONS , not our intellects......( Oh to be child again)....Mp

    • @MsBettyRubble
      @MsBettyRubble Před 2 lety

      No, this is a poem of regret. 'Kills' is apt. 'Thrills' is not melancholy but hopeful or enthusiastic.

  • @shornsheep3118
    @shornsheep3118 Před 6 lety

    Unfortunately, people who would be unable to invade us on camels have been air lifted into social housing.

  • @mikefullermikefuller4711

    I have always loved this poem!