The Viking Book of Poetry of the English-Speaking World

The Viking Book of Poetry of the English-Speaking World

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Condition: Very Good

Book Notes: Cover contains moderate wear, including stain on back cover. Pages are clean and in good condition. Binding is tight and firm.

Author(s): Richard Aldington
Edition: 1st Edition

Publication year: 1941

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

Publisher: Viking Press

ISBN:

Originally published in 1941 and later expanded into a highly sought-after mid-century two-volume set, this monumental anthology was curated by the acclaimed Imagist poet, novelist, and biographer Richard Aldington. Rather than just slapping together the usual textbook hits, Aldington spent years combing through centuries of literature to build a breathtakingly thorough survey of the English language's poetic soul. The collection spans all the way from the ancient, rhythmic cadences of Beowulf to the radical, shifting modernism of early 20th-century voices like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. It weaves through narrative epics, sharp dramatic verse, delicate lyric songs, and voices from across the entire global commonwealth. It avoids academic stuffiness by treating poetry as a living, breathing art form, balancing the heavy hitters like Shakespeare and Milton with forgotten broadsides and haunting folk ballads. It remains an absolute gold standard for anyone wanting a comprehensive, cozy masterclass in how English-speaking culture has expressed its greatest triumphs, heartbreaks, and philosophies over a thousand years.

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  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Described

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.