W. H. AudenAuden: Poems: Edited by Edward Mendelson (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets Series)

Great poet, great overview of his work

I was dubious about a pocket book of poetry--I mean the sort of thing WW2 soldiers and sailors could carry in their duffels. But it's still a nice little series and as the kindle moves in the direction of a versatile tablet, I suspect in another generation or two, everyman will still be around when the grandkids are asking 'what was a kindle?'

Auden reaches the general public in a way most poets, especially contemporary literary poets, fail. His themes, language, rhythm, imagery and form are no less brilliant for being understood. So many of his pieces reach across decades to contemporary experience, and most general readers come to his anthologies having heard one of his poems used effectively in contemporary media. Everyone who saw "Four Weddings and a Funeral" fell in love with "Funeral Blues," which was read in the funeral scene. This volume has it.His poem "September 1, 1939" circulated widely, especially via e-mail, as the anniversary of September 11 came around, is also attracting new interest. Unfortunately, that particular work is not included in this collection. All the same, it is a fine sampling of what Auden did across a long and prolific career. The edition has a nice physicality--a well produced hardcover, at a bargain price--perfect for leaving on the bedside or on an occasional table. This is poetry in an accessible package made for reading. It makes a good gift.

I'm so excited to have this, and the pages themselves look new (which is what I bought). My only issue is the sleeve is smudged and squished a bit and then so are the outer edges of the pages. It just looks like it has been sitting on a shelf in a store and handled by people. But otherwise I am happy to have my own copy of Auden's poetry!

I bought this book as a gift for a friend who'd exhibited an interest in Auden's poems. So far, she loves it.

I thought I ordered a new copy but whoever owned it before, circled the poems in the index that were my favorites too.

Insights in modern English poetry. Superbly written and a pleasant read, it enriches the soul in these modern times that are void of true feelings

If you know someone in your family that is interested in defining poems in their own way, Auden is the poet to buy. I have covered the pages with my observations and rhyme patterns. This is a wonderful little book.

The small compact size of the Everyman makes this a handy book, easy to carry, although some longer lines don't fit the page width causing unwanted enjambment.Otherwise a good collection of a major British poet.

I love Auden's poetry and this little gem of a book is beautiful. I recommend this to any lover of fine poetry.

This book arrived on time it was a present so that was great! It's a neat book and just fits in my pocket so I can take it on journeys. I saw the other authers in this series and I will definately be ordering those!

This is a small, pocket-sized book of Auden's poems. It is beautifully bound and printed. It is a must for Auden lovers.

The moving poem John Hannah quoted in Four Weddings And A Funeral is an Auden one. His work is superb and this is a particularly fine edition to have. Recommended.