Now in its second edition, Poetry: The Basics demystifies the traditions and forms of the world of poetry for all those who find it daunting or bewildering. Covering a wide range of poetic voices from Chaucer to children's rhymes, song lyrics and the words of contemporary poets, this book will help readers to appreciate poetry by examining:

• technical aspects such as rhythm and measures
• different tones of voice in poetry
• the relationship between 'everyday' and 'poetic' language
• how different types of poetry are structured
• how the form and 'space' of a poem contribute to its meaning
• some of the ways contemporary poets set to work.

A must-read for all those wishing to get to grips with reading and writing poetry, this book is a lively and inspiring introduction to its many styles and purposes right up to the present-day.