The Background of Modern Poetry

The Background of Modern Poetry by J. Isaacs is a concise and accessible exploration of the ancestry and evolving trends of modern poetry. Originally delivered as a series of talks on the BBC Third Programme between 1948 and 1949, the book avoids technical jargon, making it approachable for casual readers interested in understanding the development of modern poetry. It examines the complex origins of modern English poetry, including native influences and foreign stimuli from poets like Baudelaire and Mallarmé, as well as the experiments, excesses, and eventual consolidation under key pioneering figures. Isaacs also discusses the contemporary challenges and public awareness surrounding poetry in his time, offering insights into the poetic landscape leading up to and including the early 20th century.