Rhyme's Reason by John Hollander

A Guide to English Verse

A lively, accessible guide to how English verse works, explaining meter, rhyme, stanzaic forms, sound patterns, and the interplay between musical effects and meaning through technical discussion and close readings of examples from the poetic tradition; the book balances clear prosodic analysis with wit and practical insight, showing how attention to rhythm, cadence, and formal choices shapes tone, sense, and the craft of composition.

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