The Poetry Toolkit

Reviews / Votes

"The Poetry Toolkit: For Readers And Writers by William Harmon, provides students with the essential intellectual and practical tools to read, understand and write poetry." (Writers Forum, 1 April 2011)"The Poetry Toolkit is a splendid guide for anyone who wantsto understand better how poetry works, how to read it moreinsightfully, and what is involved in writing it. William Harmon draws on decades of experience both as a professorof literature with a special devotion to teaching poetry and as anaccomplished poet who knows the practical side of writing poetryfirsthand. From the opening pages onward, he establishes informal,direct, genial contact with his reader, who is equally entertainedand instructed. His wonderfully original Toolkit is a delight to read andthe best guide to poetry for writers and readers that I knowof." --Frank J Kearful, University of Bonn, Germany "In The Poetry Toolkit William Harmon uses a glossary ofliterary terms as a cruise ship to take the reader on a voyage ofwonder, discovery, and recognition around the world of poetry. Apoet himself, scholar, teacher, critic, he marshals his seeminglylimitless erudition in discussions of refreshing clarity, with arelish for language, wry wit, modesty, a willingness to pause andlook again, a willingness to be surprised. He is a peerless tourguide, with anecdotes you will never forget. And you will neverthink of poetry, or think of writing poetry, in quite the same wayagain." --Robert Morgan, Cornell University