The poetry produced by the British poets of the 17th and 18th centuries is considered to be among the best ever written. But many general readers feel intimidated bv the language or structure of the poeuy, and so tend to shy away from enjoying these poets and their works.
　　In The Pleasure of Poetrv. Nelson takes readers on a tour of the major works and figures of 17th- and 18th-century British poetry, explaining themes, devices, styles. language, rhythm, sound, tone, imagery, tbnn, and meaning. Beginning each chapter with a sketch of the poet's life and career, the author then looks at five or six representative works, helping readers understand and appreciate the beauty of poetry itself.
　　From Donne and Jonson, to Pope, Swift, and Burns, the book offers excerpts of the poerty these artists crafted, and carefully examines the various attributes that have helped to establish them as some of the greatest of all time. Writing in clear, accessible language, Nelson also introduces general poetry terms to the novice, providing examples and explanations where necessary. Readers will no longer feel intimidated by "difficult poetry." Instead, they will walk away with the tools they need to read, understand, and appreciate these titans of British letters.

1. Introduction to Reading Poetry .
2. John Donne (1572-1631): Poet of Secular and Sacred Love
3. Ben Jonson (1572-1637): Elegist, Satirist, and Moralist
4. Robert Herrick (1591-1674): Poet of Time, Love, and Delight
5. George Herbert (1593-1633): Poet and Priest
6. John Milton (1608-1674): Poet of English Puritanism
7. Andrew Marvell (1621-1678): Pastoral Poet of Time and History
8. John Dryden (1631-1700): Poet of the Restoration ..
9. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745): Satirist, Preacher, and Lover
10. Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Satirist and Moralist
11. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Moralist and Satirist
12. Four Eighteenth-Century Poets: Finch, Gray, Goldsmith, and Cowper
13. Robert Burns(1759-1796): Singer, Satirist, and Storyteller
Epilogue
Further Reading
Index