The Puffin Book of Classic Verse

Classic verse in a classic restrained Puffin package, each section introduced by an oval black and white illustration by Wallis, with a hint of Ardizzone. This is English language verse; so Americans, like Dickinson and Whitman, are included: and it is not verse written for children, although De la Mare and Causley appear. Wilson does all you might expect in an anthology that aims to introduce children to the heritage of English verse from Chaucer to Patten. Most of the poems could be read and understood by top juniors and lower secondary children. The poets and titles that spring quickest to mind are there (even a fragment of 'The Ancient Mariner'). And there are some interesting selections, like Dorothy Parker's 'One Perfect Rose'. Wilson is a discriminating editor whose choices convey the passion, delight and wit of English verse. But it is likely that the format will attract only the most discerning children: and the poems will, as in the past, have to be introduced by teachers. It is disappointing, too, to find poets from the Commonwealth poorly represented.