Cornflower Book Group 2009: Volume 10

    

     As the Book Group's first departure from the novel or short stories, here is some poetry.

     When I suggested we might read A. E. Housman's A Shropshire Lad, there was a gentle susurration of approval, so I've gone for it. The edition I've got is from Penguin's English Journeys series (there are many other little books on that list I'd like, too - wouldn't you?) but there's no need for any particular copy, just get whatever is available either at the library or a shop (and if you live abroad and you want the Penguin, The Book Depository can supply it post-free).

First published in 1896, "this magical and poignant evocation of coming of age in the countryside describes lovers in secluded lanes, cricket and church bells, cherry trees hung with 'snow' and woods full of bluebells. Yet ... the fields and hills are also places of loss and sorrow, where men die young or are sent away to fight in foreign wars. Aching with longing for a vanished world, these exquisite verses are a meditation on the fleeting nature of love, youth and happiness."

     I wonder just how many famous lines we're going to find in this pocket-sized book - from the "blue-remembered hills" to "on Wenlock Edge the wood's in trouble...", many of them familiar as references in other works (scroll down on this page to discover them).

     Despite its apparent richness, it's a short collection so shouldn't be too taxing to read over the next few weeks. We're doing Elizabeth Jenkins' The Tortoise and the Hare (the introductory post is here) on September 26th., so let's come back to talk about A Shropshire Lad on 24th. October, and as always, everyone is welcome to join in.

    

Comments

[Lindsay]

I am delighted to see this choice, wonderful! For those who already know Housman, or who enjoy these marvellous poems, can I possibly recommend another short read, the completely captivating The Invention of Love by Tom Stoppard, a play of utter brilliance about Housman the man, the scholar and the disappointed lover.

[Ros]

Oh, excellent. I'm not sure I shall have anything coherent to add, but I probably won't be able to resist quoting my favourite bits. 'Loveliest of trees, the cherry now...' and 'That is the land of lost content...' Not to mention, 'When I was one and twenty...' Hmmm, better go and read it now. ;)

[Jennifer]

I just recently discovered your blog and found out about the book club. I'm really excited to join you. Can't wait to meet you all.