Roy J. Cook (1) (1873–)

A rather pedestrian collection that nevertheless delivers just because it is poetry and poetry always transcends its own boundaries...a gift of the free box on the corner, and it arrived at just the right page in my life...

Some solid entries, and others that are not widely distributed anymore. On the other hand, some entries that seem forced or don't need to be here.

I did like the prose supplement, even if it isn't completely topical.

A worthwhile venture into basic poetry for anyone.

I grew up with this book in the house and have turned to it countless times over the years. Merely by inclusion in this book, a poem became an automatic classic to me. The selection is varied and enjoyable. Although looking at the paperback versions I see pictured in "Popular Covers", it just doesn't seem quite the same as the vintage version I have.

A lovely book of poems reflecting the appreciation of the poetry reading public of 1924 America. This book was given to my mother by a close friend, a practice which is also indicative of those times when a book of poetry was considered a welcomed gift. Many of the poems extol nature, others speak in the aftermath of WWI on the sadness of loss of young life, others reflect on the brevity and meaning of life in general and others are happy, wistful celebrations of childhood. Reading the book show more through, you come repeatedly across famous lines that have made their way into the cultural fabric of the English language. Two examples are: From Milton's Sonnet on His Blindness, "They also serve who only stand and wait." or from Thomas Gray's Elegy Written in a Country Church-Yard, "The paths of glory lead but to the grave." It is with nostalgia that we consider the values and standards expressed in these poems of bygone ages. show less