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.
Переглядів: 445

Відео

Argos the Dog, from The Odyssey, translated by T E Lawrence.
Переглядів 4,2 тис.3 роки тому
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
Переглядів 753 роки тому
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
Переглядів 9333 роки тому
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
Переглядів 2903 роки тому
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"
Переглядів 1843 роки тому
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
Переглядів 784 роки тому
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.
Переглядів 734 роки тому
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
Переглядів 1144 роки тому
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.
Переглядів 604 роки тому
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
Переглядів 3714 роки тому
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
Переглядів 504 роки тому
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
Переглядів 2064 роки тому
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.
Переглядів 364 роки тому
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
Переглядів 5755 років тому
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
Переглядів 1065 років тому
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.
Переглядів 2505 років тому
"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
Переглядів 7475 років тому
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
Переглядів 2955 років тому
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.
Переглядів 4385 років тому
The Spectator, the first article (1711), read by Michael Blackburn.
The Little Dancers by Binyon: a reading and microlecture
Переглядів 955 років тому
The Little Dancers by Binyon: a reading and microlecture
Scum of the Earth by Koestler: an extract read by Michael Blackburn
Переглядів 1,9 тис.5 років тому
Scum of the Earth by Koestler: an extract read by Michael Blackburn
A brief intro to the poet, Brian Higgins.
Переглядів 445 років тому
A brief intro to the poet, Brian Higgins.
The Necessity of Freedom of Speech - J S Mill, On Liberty (a brief extract)
Переглядів 1555 років тому
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
Переглядів 1685 років тому
“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)
Переглядів 3586 років тому
John Locke on reading properly (Of the Conduct of the Understanding)
Stella, the social justice warrior; in Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock (1818)
Переглядів 1516 років тому
Stella, the social justice warrior; in Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock (1818)
Ken Smith, poet: a personal recollection and two poems.
Переглядів 1246 років тому
Ken Smith, poet: a personal recollection and two poems.
The fierce joy of Merry England (from Storm Jameson's The Decline of Merry England)
Переглядів 2656 років тому
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
Переглядів 946 років тому
On the English, by Santayana; for St George's Day

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @urdadshusband781
    @urdadshusband781 4 дні тому

    This would've been one of my favorite videos of all time if you took 15 seconds at the end to read the poem

  • @faded_ace5144
    @faded_ace5144 Місяць тому

    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 3 місяці тому

    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 5 місяців тому

    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 5 місяців тому

    Thank you very much for this great explanation 😊

  • @lvyongping
    @lvyongping 5 місяців тому

    histories make men wise

  • @user-pt3ge6ys2v
    @user-pt3ge6ys2v 8 місяців тому

    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 10 місяців тому

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

  • @neroidius6915
    @neroidius6915 Рік тому

    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 Рік тому

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

    • @clutekiggle
      @clutekiggle 4 місяці тому

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

  • @grapevyne
    @grapevyne Рік тому

    " 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 Рік тому

    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
    @idecantwellbarnes6707 Рік тому

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

  • @FourLoopMedia
    @FourLoopMedia Рік тому

    Poor argos :/ such a good boy

  • @emmamcevilly3276
    @emmamcevilly3276 2 роки тому

    One of my favorite poems

  • @petersmernoff9590
    @petersmernoff9590 2 роки тому

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

  • @marksobieski8435
    @marksobieski8435 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this wonderful rendition. Beautiful.

  • @iceyred6668
    @iceyred6668 2 роки тому

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

  • @nickprohoroff3720
    @nickprohoroff3720 2 роки тому

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

  • @rodneycooperLMSCoach
    @rodneycooperLMSCoach 2 роки тому

    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 2 роки тому

      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 2 роки тому

    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 2 роки тому

    Thanks for this

  • @2msvalkyrie529
    @2msvalkyrie529 2 роки тому

    Stella was obviously unaware of her " white privilege ".

  • @mattyboiii2727
    @mattyboiii2727 2 роки тому

    00:49

  • @jimthompson606
    @jimthompson606 2 роки тому

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

  • @MrBoybergs
    @MrBoybergs 3 роки тому

    Perfect

  • @jamesbentonticer4706
    @jamesbentonticer4706 3 роки тому

    The most beautiful, well written bird book ever published.

  • @chloeeee4661
    @chloeeee4661 3 роки тому

    This video saved my grade

  • @luvah_orc5781
    @luvah_orc5781 3 роки тому

    Really enjoyed it.

  • @sabahalsowaifan5352
    @sabahalsowaifan5352 3 роки тому

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

  • @nataliemcgregor7567
    @nataliemcgregor7567 3 роки тому

    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

  • @brushbros
    @brushbros 4 роки тому

    Meanwhile Germany was investing its efforts in science and industry.

  • @PoorHoward9
    @PoorHoward9 4 роки тому

    Poorly recorded: 2 poems read almost simultaneiously.

  • @videocurios
    @videocurios 4 роки тому

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

  • @rrozoff1
    @rrozoff1 4 роки тому

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

  • @AusumnVid
    @AusumnVid 4 роки тому

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

  • @montsemajanmartinez9824
    @montsemajanmartinez9824 4 роки тому

    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 4 роки тому

    cant get enough of this

  • @Kettydietista
    @Kettydietista 4 роки тому

    Thank you! It helps a lot!

  • @cinnamongirl5410
    @cinnamongirl5410 4 роки тому

    prophet

  • @gozdeylmaz7495
    @gozdeylmaz7495 5 років тому

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

  • @nadinetaylor2449
    @nadinetaylor2449 5 років тому

    brilliant thank u

  • @jonathanbosco8458
    @jonathanbosco8458 5 років тому

    Thank you for the missing verse usually not read.

  • @MichaelThallium
    @MichaelThallium 5 років тому

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

  • @pug_frost7246
    @pug_frost7246 6 років тому

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

  • @val3b33
    @val3b33 6 років тому

    Thanks!

  • @2004HondaCivic
    @2004HondaCivic 6 років тому

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

  • @hadows3533
    @hadows3533 6 років тому

    William Powell,1881

  • @melcomepay6668
    @melcomepay6668 6 років тому

    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 2 роки тому

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