From Song of Myself (A Poem from The Poets' Corner)

The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family

De: John Lithgow

Narrado por: John Lithgow

From listening to his grandmother recite epic poems from memory to curling up in bed while his father read funny verses, award-winning actor John Lithgow grew up with poetry. Ever since, John has been an enthusiastic seeker of poetic experience, whether reading, reciting, or listening to great poems.

The wide variety of carefully selected poems in this book provides the perfect introduction to appeal to readers new to poetry, and for poetry lovers to experience beloved verses in a fresh, vivid way. William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and Dylan Thomas are just a few names among Lithgow's comprehensive list of poetry masters. His essential criterion is that "each poem's light shines more brightly when read aloud." This unique package provides a multimedia poetry experience with a bonus MP3 CD of revelatory poetry readings by John and the familiar voices of such notable performers as Eileen Atkins, Kathy Bates, Glenn Close, Billy Connolly, Jodie Foster, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Lynn Redgrave, Susan Sarandon, Gary Sinise, and Sam Waterston.

Every reader will enjoy reciting or listening to these poems with the entire family, appreciating how each one comes to life through the spoken word in this superlative poetry collection.

A great introduction

Poetry is unknown territory for me, and this was a wonderful listen. John Lithgow is enthusiastic and informative, and the readings are very good. No issues with the selections, and was glad there was no heavy analysis.

Excellent introduction to poetry

Would you consider the audio edition of The Poets' Corner to be better than the print version?

I have long been a fan of good poetry but knew little or nothing of the art behind the words. This was a fantastic introduction for me to the world of poetry, the history and great names in the area - as well as providing me with a lot of very good poems to think over and work through my mind. Liked it a lot.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it is something I have returned to several times and still working my way through parts of it.

Just right

Loved this collection. Beautifully arranged and thoughtfully presented. A sweet selection, worthwhile in every way. Not too much introduction but enough for interest.

I'll return again and again.

A Wonderful Selection of Poems Read and Discussed

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. John Lithgow selected and talks to us about a wide and lovely array of English Language Poems. Each poem is read by an actor. Some are silly, others heartbreaking, some angry, a few ecstatic and many longing. If you want to get involved with poetry or reintroduce yourself and/or another adult or older child this is an excellent vehicle to get you started. Recommend getting both this audiobook and the Kindle or printed version to read along.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Each poem is read by a different actor. In each section Lithgow ties in his own experiences with that particular poem in addition to giving a a short but well researched discussion concerning the poet and his/her poetry.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson.

Love the poems, wish I could skip the narration

I wish the poems were separated by chapters from the narrative and from each other and labeled. It's a frustrating way to try to listen to poems regularly, though I do like the information he provides. I'd also like to see the chapters give the names of the poem so you can find what you are looking for. Still, there's not that many good readings of a variety of good poems so I do like that.