In this series a contemporary poet selects and introduces another poet of a different generation whom they have particularly admired. This selection of A.E. Housman poems are selected by Alan Hollinghurst.

A. E. Housman was one of the best-loved poets of his day, whose poems conjure up a potent and idyllic rural world imbued with a poignant sense of loss. They are expressed in simple rhythms, yet show a fine ear for the subtleties of metre and alliteration. His scope is wide - ranging from religious doubt to intense nostalgia for the countryside. This volume brings together 'A Shropshire Lad' (1896) and 'Last Poems' (1922), along with the posthumous selections 'More Poems' and 'Additional Poems', and three translations of extracts from Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides that display his mastery of Classical literature.

A New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice and Nominated for the 2017 PEN/Bograd Weld Prize for Biography A captivating exploration of A. E. Housman and the influence of his particular brand of Englishness A. E. Housman’s A Shropshire Lad made little impression when it was first published in 1896 but has since become one of the best-loved volumes of poetry in the English language. Its evocation of the English coun - tryside, thwarted love, and a yearning for things lost is as potent today as it was more than a century ago, and the book has never been out of print. In Housman Country, Peter Parker explores the lives of A. E. Housman and his most famous book, and in doing so shows how A Shropshire Lad has permeated English life and culture since its publication. The poems were taken to war by soldiers who wanted to carry England in their pockets, were adapted by composers trying to create a new kind of English music, and have influ - enced poetry, fiction, music, and drama right up to the present day. Everyone has a personal “land of lost content” with “blue remembered hills,” and Housman has been a tangible and far-reaching presence in a startling range of work, from the war poets and Ralph Vaughan Williams to Inspector Morse and Morrissey. Housman Country is a vivid exploration of England and Englishness, in which Parker maps out terrain that is as historical and emotional as it is topographical.

"A Shropshire Lad" is a celebrated collection of lyrical poems penned by A. E. Housman, an English classical scholar and poet. Published in 1896, these verses are marked by a lyrical and musical quality, expressing sentiments of melancholy, nostalgia, and reflection. The poems draw on rural and pastoral imagery, painting vivid pictures of the Shropshire landscapes. Central themes revolve around the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of mortality. Housman's background as a classical scholar is evident in the precise structure and language of the poetry. "A Shropshire Lad" has made a lasting impact on English literature, influencing modern poetry with its timeless themes and craftsmanship. For those drawn to emotionally resonant verse that captures the essence of late 19th-century England, this collection remains a significant and influential work, widely available in bookstores, libraries, and online platforms dedicated to classic literature.

“Last Poems” is a 1936 collection of poetry by A. E. Housman. The poems include: “The West”, “Llic Jacet”, “Grenadier”, “Lancer”, “The Deserter”, “The Culprit”, “Eight O'Clock”, “Spring Morning”, “Astronomy”, “Epithalamium”, “The Oracles”, “Sinner's Rue”, “Hell's Gate”, “Revolution”, “Epitaph On An Army Of Mercenaries”, and “Fancy's Knell”. Alfred Edward Housman (1859–1936), also known as A. E. Housman, was an English poet and classical scholar considered to be one of the greatest scholars who ever lived. A fantastic collection of classic poetry by a master of the form. This classic work is being republished now in a new edition complete with a chapter from “Twenty-Four Portraits” by William Rothenstein.

Title: A Shropshire LadAuthor: A. E. HousmanCommentator: William Stanley BraithwaiteLanguage: English

Fans of traditional verse will relish this volume from English poet Alfred Edward Housman. The call to enjoy life's simple pleasures every day is a motif that runs through the collection, which includes well-known works such as "To an Athlete Dying Young" and "When I Was One-and-Twenty."

A Shropshire Lad: Echoes of Rural Melancholy and Youthful Longings: Explore the verses that capture the essence of the Shropshire countryside and the bittersweet emotions of youth. A Shropshire Lad by A.E. Housman: Dive into the picturesque landscapes of rural England with A Shropshire Lad by A.E. Housman. This collection of lyrical poems transports you to the idyllic countryside, capturing the essence of nature's beauty and the fleeting moments that define life's journey. Through evocative verses, Housman delves into themes of youth, love, and the passage of time, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate across generations. Why This Book? Emotional Connection: Housman's poetry taps into universal emotions – from the joy of youth to the pangs of nostalgia – allowing you to connect deeply with the experiences he portrays. Appreciation for Nature: The vivid imagery in the poems paints a vibrant picture of the English countryside, fostering a greater appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Reflection and Contemplation: The themes of mortality and transience encourage you to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Language and Artistry: Engaging with Housman's poetic language enhances your understanding of wordplay and literary techniques, deepening your appreciation for the art of writing. Timeless Wisdom: The wisdom contained within these verses remains relevant, offering insights into the human condition that are as pertinent today as when they were written. Immerse yourself in the lyrical beauty of A Shropshire Lad and embark on a journey of emotions, nature, and introspection.