-
A Way with Words IV
- Understanding Poetry
- Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $34.57
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Modern Scholar
- Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.
-
-
A Very Unique Read...(J/K)
- By Jade on 06-10-09
-
The Modern Scholar
- From Here to Infinity: An Exploration of Science Fiction Literature
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The best science fiction asks essential questions: What does it mean to be human? Are we alone in the universe, and what does it mean if we're not? Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout traces the history of science fiction in this series of stimulating lectures. From Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to today's cutting- edge authors, Drout offers a compelling analysis of the genre, including a look at the golden age of science fiction, New Wave writers, and contemporary trends in the field.
-
-
Nerdy? Probably... Enjoyable? Yes
- By Timothy on 08-27-09
-
The Modern Scholar
- A History of the English Language
- By: Prof. Michael Drout
- Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.
-
-
Hits all the right marks
- By Maria on 11-02-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
-
-
An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
-
The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World
- By: Prof. Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf. Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons.
-
-
Perfect Intro to the Anglo-Saxon Period
- By Julie on 01-01-10
-
Modern Scholar: How to Think
- The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value
- By: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value, Professor Michael D. C. Drout gives an impassioned defense and celebration of the value of the liberal arts. Charting the evolution of the liberal arts from their roots in the educational system of Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and to the present day, Drout shows how the liberal arts have consistently been "the tools to rule", essential to the education of the leaders of society. Offering a reasoned defense of their continuing value, Drout also provides suggestions for improving the state of the liberal arts in contemporary society.
-
-
A defense of the Liberal Arts
- By Steve and/or Jodene on 10-19-13
-
The Modern Scholar
- Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.
-
-
A Very Unique Read...(J/K)
- By Jade on 06-10-09
-
The Modern Scholar
- From Here to Infinity: An Exploration of Science Fiction Literature
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The best science fiction asks essential questions: What does it mean to be human? Are we alone in the universe, and what does it mean if we're not? Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout traces the history of science fiction in this series of stimulating lectures. From Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to today's cutting- edge authors, Drout offers a compelling analysis of the genre, including a look at the golden age of science fiction, New Wave writers, and contemporary trends in the field.
-
-
Nerdy? Probably... Enjoyable? Yes
- By Timothy on 08-27-09
-
The Modern Scholar
- A History of the English Language
- By: Prof. Michael Drout
- Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.
-
-
Hits all the right marks
- By Maria on 11-02-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
-
-
An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
-
The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World
- By: Prof. Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf. Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons.
-
-
Perfect Intro to the Anglo-Saxon Period
- By Julie on 01-01-10
-
Modern Scholar: How to Think
- The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value
- By: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value, Professor Michael D. C. Drout gives an impassioned defense and celebration of the value of the liberal arts. Charting the evolution of the liberal arts from their roots in the educational system of Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and to the present day, Drout shows how the liberal arts have consistently been "the tools to rule", essential to the education of the leaders of society. Offering a reasoned defense of their continuing value, Drout also provides suggestions for improving the state of the liberal arts in contemporary society.
-
-
A defense of the Liberal Arts
- By Steve and/or Jodene on 10-19-13
-
A Little History of the World
- By: E. H. Gombrich
- Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
E. H. Gombrich's world history, an international best seller now available in English for the first time, is a text dominated not by dates and facts but by the sweep of experience across the centuries, a guide to humanity's achievements, and an acute witness to its frailties.
-
-
an enlightening book; very well read
- By A.B.Oxford on 06-03-06
By: E. H. Gombrich
-
The Story of Human Language
- By: John McWhorter, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 18 hrs and 15 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Language defines us as a species, placing humans head and shoulders above even the most proficient animal communicators. But it also beguiles us with its endless mysteries, allowing us to ponder why different languages emerged, why there isn't simply a single language, how languages change over time and whether that's good or bad, and how languages die out and become extinct.
-
-
You'll Never Look at Languages the Same Way Again
- By SAMA on 03-11-14
By: John McWhorter, and others
-
The Iliad of Homer
- By: Elizabeth Vandiver, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Vandiver
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For thousands of years, Homer's ancient epic poem the
Iliad has enchanted readers from around the world. When you join Professor Vandiver for this lecture series on the Iliad, you'll come to understand what has enthralled and gripped so many people. Her compelling 12-lecture look at this literary masterpiece -whether it's the work of many authors or the "vision" of a single blind poet - makes it vividly clear why, after almost 3,000 years, the
Iliad remains not only among the greatest adventure stories ever told but also one of the most compelling meditations on the human condition ever written.
-
-
Vandiver never disappoints
- By Machteacher on 07-23-13
By: Elizabeth Vandiver, and others
-
The History of English Poetry
- By: Peter Whitfield
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
English literature is a treasure trove of wonderful poetry. From Shakespeare to Milton, Keats to Shelley and Tennyson to Yeats, this accessible history (especially written for Naxos Audiobooks) introduces the listener to countless small masterpieces, including all the old favorites and some lesser-known gems. Whitfield explores this most expressive of art forms and traces the historical development of a rich and diverse canon of poetical works.
-
-
Enjoyable and enlightening
- By Roger on 10-27-09
By: Peter Whitfield
-
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrated by: Christopher Tolkien
- Length: 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son was originally published in the 1953 edition of Essays and Studies. In December of that year, J.R.R. Tolkien took possession of a reel-to-reel tape recorder and, some time during the first few months of 1954, decided to record ‘the whole thing on tape’ as a way of ‘testing’ the performative quality of the dramatic dialogue between Tídwald and Torhthelm.
-
-
Short sweet and to the point
- By Anthony Baker on 04-04-23
By: J. R. R. Tolkien
-
The Poets' Corner
- The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family
- By: John Lithgow
- Narrated by: Morgan Freeman, Susan Sarandon, Helen Mirren, and others
- Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
John Lithgow has compiled an outstanding collection of memorable poems and has gathered his famous friends to read them. The wide variety of carefully selected poetry in this audiobook provides the perfect introduction to reel in those who are new to poetry, and for poetry lovers to experience beloved verses in a fresh, vivid way. Lithgow offers insightful and sometimes poignant commentary to accompany each poem. His essential criterion is that "each poem's light shines more brightly when read aloud".
-
-
A Painless Crash Course in the Great Western Poets
- By Brazilgirl on 10-27-14
By: John Lithgow
-
The Aeneid
- By: Virgil
- Narrated by: Simon Callow
- Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The publication of a new translation by Fagles is a literary event. His translations of both the Iliad and Odyssey have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and have become the standard translations of our era. Now, with this stunning modern verse translation, Fagles has reintroduced Virgil's Aeneid to a whole new generation, and completed the classical triptych at the heart of Western civilization.
-
-
Good but the chapters aren't IN ORDER
- By Maggie on 10-18-17
By: Virgil
-
A Short History of Nearly Everything
- By: Bill Bryson
- Narrated by: Richard Matthews
- Length: 18 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bill Bryson has been an enormously popular author both for his travel books and for his books on the English language. Now, this beloved comic genius turns his attention to science. Although he doesn't know anything about the subject (at first), he is eager to learn, and takes information that he gets from the world's leading experts and explains it to us in a way that makes it exciting and relevant.
-
-
The Only Book I reread imediatley after reading
- By Andrew on 11-09-09
By: Bill Bryson
-
How a Poem Moves
- A Field Guide for Readers of Poetry
- By: Adam Sol
- Narrated by: Adam Sol, Soraya Peerbaye
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Developed from Adam Sol’s popular blog, How a Poem Moves is a collection of 35 short essays that walks listeners through an array of contemporary poems. Sol is a dynamic teacher, and in these essays, he has captured the humor and engaging intelligence for which he is known in the classroom. With a breezy style, Sol delivers essays that are perfect for a quick listen or to be grouped together as a curriculum.
-
-
Entertaining, Educational, and Thoughtful
- By Deborah on 11-12-19
By: Adam Sol
-
The Fall
- By: Albert Camus
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elegantly styled, Camus' profoundly disturbing novel of a Parisian lawyer's confessions is a searing study of modern amorality.
-
-
Wow Wow Wow
- By Lauren C on 07-14-21
By: Albert Camus
-
The Western Canon
- The Books and School of the Ages
- By: Harold Bloom
- Narrated by: James Armstrong
- Length: 22 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harold Bloom explores our Western literary tradition by concentrating on the works of twenty-six authors central to the Canon. He argues against ideology in literary criticism; he laments the loss of intellectual and aesthetic standards; he deplores multiculturalism, Marxism, feminism, neoconservatism, Afrocentrism, and the New Historicism. Insisting instead upon "the autonomy of aesthetic," Bloom places Shakespeare at the center of the Western Canon.....
-
-
A personal and opinionated book on the Canon
- By Steffen on 07-23-12
By: Harold Bloom
-
The Prelude
- Growth of a Poet's Mind: An Autobiographical Poem
- By: William Wordsworth
- Narrated by: Nicholas Farrell
- Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wordsworth's The Prelude is the consummation of his achievement as the great founder of English romanticism. An autobiography in verse, it tells of his childhood in the Lake District, his student days in Cambridge, his passion for the French Revolution and his later disenchantment with it. It also tells of his personal journey to a belief in Nature as the great moral and spiritual force which shapes human life, but on which human society all too often turns its back.
-
-
Great Poem
- By JCW on 12-30-16
Publisher's summary
In part IV of this fascinating series, Professor Drout submerses listeners in poetry's past, present, and future. Addressing such poetic luminaries as Milton,Wordsworth, Shelley, and Keats, these lectures explain in simple terms what poetry is while following its development through the centuries.
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about A Way with Words IV
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Louise L Hoelscher
- 10-06-13
Get your facts straight
What would have made A Way with Words IV better?
If the "professor" actually knew which poets wrote which poems
What do you think your next listen will be?
Nothing from this series
Any additional comments?
The *professor* refers to Keats THREE times when discussing Ode to the West Wind which is actually written by Shelley. Dude, get your poets straight. If you're going to lecture on a poem you should at least know who wrote it.....
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- B. Leddy
- 10-26-11
Drout Rules!
Gotta love Drout - such a great teacher. This installment of the Modern Scholar explain poetry very clearly for the uninformed (like me). Best is the explanation of iambic pentameter, meter, etc. The only problem I have is that he devoted almost a whole lecture to John Donne and spent only 4 minutes on Milton - even though the chapter was entitled Milton. But that aside - Drout still rules!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Libby
- 08-10-14
Interesting, not illuminating
I must say it pains me to give this title only three stars, because of how thoroughly I enjoyed many of the lectures and because of what a thoughtful, engaging teacher Prof. Drout is. After having listened to the lectures, I have a much better understanding of poetic techniques such as meter and rhythm, as well as the history of poetry in English. What I don't understand that much better is the meaning in the poetry itself. Maybe I was expecting a more hand-holding approach, guiding if not line-by-line then at least stanza-by-stanza, explaining what the poet was actually saying - not just how they were saying it. He seemed to think that part was self-evident when for me it often was not.
Part of the problem was just how short it was, when you're trying to look at the entire history of poetry in English. He seems to spend a lot of time just telling you how much he's leaving out. I am interested in history generally, and in the history of the English language specifically, so I was looking forward to the historical aspect. But looking back I think, for a course in "Understanding Poetry", I would've gotten more out of it if there was less of a historical aspect, and more analysis.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Emily
- 10-01-12
I love Professor Drout!
I will be listening to this one several times. Listening to an hour or two a day is best in my opinion. It contains so much information its a lot to take in at once but It is so well done I can't speak highly enough of it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chris
- 09-13-12
Sparked my interest into poetry.
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Would recommend to my peers because author/narrator is very passionate about subject.
Which scene was your favorite?
His story about the poet Lord Byron.
Was A Way with Words IV worth the listening time?
Definitely worth it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Gil Mandelzis
- 10-21-16
Great delivery, make sure you understand what you are buying
This is generally speaking a pretty technical course of understanding poetry. The professor is fantastic and delivers it in an engaging and passionate fashion.
But there is less discussion of meaning etc... more (at least the way I felt) of form and how it affects meaning.
As such it is great but this is not what I thought I was buying...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Maggie Hess
- 04-15-16
love drout
Listening to this but literally made me want to look up the professor and go to the school where he instructs. great read
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jane Simon
- 07-25-23
Excellent work
This is an excellent book. Professor Drout is an excellent writer, as well as reader of his lucid writing. I only wish he would follow up with another one of modern and contemporary work.Jane Simon, drsimonsays.blogspot.com.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lalli
- 06-13-23
Brilliant, even if you're new to poetry
Professor Drout takes you through poetry in such a way that your appreciation for it takes on new heights.
Cape Town
South Africa
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Steve Tanksley
- 09-01-22
Mission Accomplished
Dr. Drout is one of the best professors in the Modern Scholar series. Very clear and passionate about his field. If you want to learn more about poetry, but don’t know where to begin, I would highly recommend this course.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- SoulFireMage
- 10-19-18
Excellent course
I'm a beginner in poetry, in fact not even that, never studied it, never liked it.
Yet on advice from an excellent writing blog, I decided to learn a little of it.
I've listened to Drout before, on Rhetoric and on grammar, so I knew what I would get. An enthusiastic teacher of his subject, something needed for a slightly reluctant learner.
I won't be a poet, yes I know it, and that, I don't mind. But, for a means of expanding writing skill and writing mind, to not learn some, I'd be blind.
It's an excellent course, not a survey, yet he presents in time orderly fashion. He explores technique through the ages: stress and meter, rhyme and slant, enjambment, ceasura, measure and more; then, relates their use to each age, each poet and explores the effects bought about.
This review I'm writing after one listening to the entire course.
Will I listen again?
Yes, for my purposes, I will and side track down some poets he brings up.
If you are new to poetry, perhaps looking to learn to expand writing skill or just to learn why poetry is fussed over, this is the right course.
You are not bombarded with hours of inaccessible readings.
You are given a delightful feast of techniques, and how poets used them; each course served in proper order so that you can savour the flavour of effects each poet did favor.
Don't let my crime of rhyme put you off giving time-to listen to this course and learn something new!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 12-02-17
Enlightening and entertaining
Drout is the English teacher I wish I had. I've listened through most of these lectures at least twice and now have a new list of poets who I'm excited to investigate and the tools I need to enjoy them.
Really recommend this title. I'm not an English scholar; I merely had a passing interest and I found this very accessible. I will definitely be listening to the other titles in this series.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mr G.
- 12-02-16
I am captivated
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I've always wanted to know more about poetry, how it works in different ways and why one type of poetry is so different from another. I have always been slightly intimidated by the rules and codes about this form of storytelling and although I have dabbled in the past, I have never really given my attention to it - until now!
I found this book/course by Michael Drout to be compelling and exciting and I listened to it in 3 days in between other busy activities. I didn't understand it all and didn't look at the notes at the time but now intend to listen again this week, read the literature that comes with it and makes notes on what I now understood and what remains unclear.
I now feel I can read poetry with much improved confidence and I feel inspired to learn more about poetry and the poets that speak to me.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be captivated by poetry and how to understand it better.
Any additional comments?
The only element missing in the book for me was a more in depth analysis of the meanings of some of the poetry. I would have loved to hear a greater interpretation of some of the poems and their less obvious hidden meanings and the devices used by the poets. I appreciate that would have made the book much longer (fine by me) or perhaps this could be the subject of the next piece by Michael Drout!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ms
- 11-09-15
Enjoyed a Lot!
Would you consider the audio edition of A Way with Words IV to be better than the print version?
For me it would be, but there is also accompanying reference material via the website.
What did you like best about this story?
Not a story. It really gave me some helpful impressions of noteworthy poets, throughout the history of poetry.
Have you listened to any of Michael Drout’s other performances? How does this one compare?
He's always so excited & impassioned about his subject matter that I would be encouraged to try out listening to another audiobook even if if wasn't an area i had previously thought to seek out.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No - Far too long & I would also go off to further research some of the mentioned poets.
Any additional comments?
A book I will come back to over time & listen to relevant parts.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Vicky
- 03-10-21
The professor I always wanted to have
I've been working through several poetry books, which range from comprehensive but dry (Peter Whitfield's The History of English Poetry) to fun and practical (Stephen Fry's An Ode Less Travelled). Professor Drout's is different again, thorough and passionate. More than anything, he also pays more attention to pre-written and pre-English writing (as an Anglo-Saxon scholar, he's unusually qualified to do this), but more than anything he reminds everyone that poetry is to be experienced. Highly recommended.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
The Modern Scholar
- Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.
-
-
A Very Unique Read...(J/K)
- By Jade on 06-10-09
-
The Modern Scholar
- A Way With Words, Part II: Approaches to Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In A Way with Words II: Approaches to Literature, Michael D.C. Drout leads a series of lectures that focus on the big questions of literature. Throughout, he introduces the major schools of literary and critical thought and employs illuminating examples from the world's most important literary works. This course proves a wonderful exploration of one of humankind's most cherished pursuits.
-
-
That Bad
- By Alyssa B. Goss on 02-28-11
-
The Modern Scholar
- A Way With Words Part III: Grammar for Adults
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since others judge you by the way you speak, the intricacies of grammar, in fact, should not be relegated to the realm of fussy "guardians of the language," but are rather essential clues all can employ to communicate more exactly. In such a light, this course forms an invaluable guide for everyone from all fields of interest.
-
-
I have always given Drout high marks.
- By Robert on 10-03-12
-
The Modern Scholar
- A History of the English Language
- By: Prof. Michael Drout
- Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.
-
-
Hits all the right marks
- By Maria on 11-02-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
-
-
An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
-
The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World
- By: Prof. Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf. Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons.
-
-
Perfect Intro to the Anglo-Saxon Period
- By Julie on 01-01-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.
-
-
A Very Unique Read...(J/K)
- By Jade on 06-10-09
-
The Modern Scholar
- A Way With Words, Part II: Approaches to Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In A Way with Words II: Approaches to Literature, Michael D.C. Drout leads a series of lectures that focus on the big questions of literature. Throughout, he introduces the major schools of literary and critical thought and employs illuminating examples from the world's most important literary works. This course proves a wonderful exploration of one of humankind's most cherished pursuits.
-
-
That Bad
- By Alyssa B. Goss on 02-28-11
-
The Modern Scholar
- A Way With Words Part III: Grammar for Adults
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since others judge you by the way you speak, the intricacies of grammar, in fact, should not be relegated to the realm of fussy "guardians of the language," but are rather essential clues all can employ to communicate more exactly. In such a light, this course forms an invaluable guide for everyone from all fields of interest.
-
-
I have always given Drout high marks.
- By Robert on 10-03-12
-
The Modern Scholar
- A History of the English Language
- By: Prof. Michael Drout
- Narrated by: Prof. Michael Drout
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.
-
-
Hits all the right marks
- By Maria on 11-02-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
-
-
An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
-
The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World
- By: Prof. Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf. Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons.
-
-
Perfect Intro to the Anglo-Saxon Period
- By Julie on 01-01-10