A Student's Guide to the Selected Poems of T.S. Eliot - B.C. Southam

Advantages: Contains some absolutely wonderful poetry!
Disadvantages: It's pricey!

...This anthology of Eliot's poetry is an absolute must for anyone interested in the great man himself. It ranges from 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' to 'The Waste Land' and 'Four Quartets' and perhaps some lesser known poems such as 'Gerontion'. T.S. Eliot's work is highly allusive and in some ways challenging, but it is very rewarding and there are many levels which his poetry can be read on. I did have some real trouble with the couple of poems in the selection that are written in French(!), but this may appeal to speakers of the French tongue! The only criticism I can possibly make of this collection is that with a RRP of £12.99 it is rather pricey for a paperback, but it is well worth it if you want fantastic, artful poetry. OK, here is some more detail to please my audience! One of my favourite poems is the first one... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Essential Eliot poems, collected into one volume
Disadvantages: If you don't like Eliot, you'll hate this

...I bought this book because it includes The Waste Land and The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock, two of my favourite Eliot poems. I would say that if you like Eliot's more experimental poetry, this is a must. If, however, you are a diehard fan of Old Possum's, you might want to steer clear of this. Some find these particular poems quite pretentious, due to their length and language. I would agree with this in part, but I also think that anyone who reads these poems will come away with something different from them. The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock should be read by everyone, particularly students of English, or just anyone interested in poetry. It was a groundbreaking poem at the time, thanks to its mostly free verse structure, and its satirical tone. All in all, I would recommend this book for readers who appreciate Eliot already... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent to study, brilliant to read
Disadvantages: Snobbery, too many allusions?

...I have to admit, I LOVE T.S. Eliot. He manages to create something magical with words, taking something very ordinary and twisting it in such a way that is perplexing and charming. The Waste Land is a bit of a mammoth of a poem, but takes you on a journey through despondency, hope and suffering, and is a must-read, taking up the Holy Grail Legend in a new light. His characters throughout are often depressed souls, whose lives have little purpose, and he tries to show you how spirituality can be your salvation from average, routine, mundane life. At times, however, Eliot loses us with his allusions to texts from all walks of history and cultures, which take some time to pick through; a result of his thorough education and snobbery.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful