In general,
the Georgian poets wrote in reaction to the sentimentality of the Victorian era
and its “rhymed sermons.” Much of their poetry is realistic and fatalistic. William
Ernest Henley’s Invictus makes sense coming out of this time period of societal
renunciation of a Higher Power and man’s subsequent dependence on himself. I am amazed
that in the midst of such pessimism and cynicism that poets like Stevenson, de
la Mare and Davies were able to find their voices.
Untermeyer
gives an introduction to each poet and one or two samples of his poetry. Some of his descriptions were less than flattering. On Alfred
Noyes, he wrote, “Unfortunately, Noyes has not developed his gifts as deeply as
his admirers have hoped. His poetry, extremely straightforward and rhythmical, has
often degenerated into cheap sentimentalities and cheaper tirades; it has
frequently attempted to express programs and profundities far beyond Noye’s
power.” He describes D.H. Lawrence poetry as rife with “a febrile morbidity to
an exalted and almost frenzied mysticism.” (!)
Most amusing of all, he predicts that Chesterton will be remembered for his poetry rather than his prose.
This was a
free-for-kindle title which led me down a rabbit trail to many other obscure gems.
I added about a dozen books to my TBR list!
