The Art of Marvell's Poetry

• Author: J. B. Leishman

• Brand: Routledge

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 330

• ISBN: 9781041058489

• Language: English

• Release Date: 09-01-2025

About The Book

The Art of Marvell's Poetry, first published in 1966, offers an insightful appreciation of Andrew Marvell's poetic works by J. B. Leishman. The book explores Marvell’s poetic craft and his ability to experiment and imitate various styles, while still crafting uniquely original expressions. Leishman emphasizes that Marvell's creativity was not rooted in sheer invention but rather in the innovative combination of ideas and imagery from his predecessors.

The book demonstrates how phrases like "Musick, the Mosaique of the Air," "Desarts of vast Eternity," and "a green Thought in a green shade" are not merely borrowed but distinctly Marvellian in their execution. By examining Marvell's work within the context of his era, Leishman highlights how the poet’s artistry is inextricably tied to the historical moment in which he wrote, showing that his poetry could not have existed in any other time.

This study is a valuable resource for understanding the depth and originality of Marvell’s poetry, ideal for readers and students interested in 17th-century English literature and the complex interplay of influence and originality in Marvell's work.