[Gregory Dowling]

I teach a class in practical criticism. We look at a new poem each week, talk about it and then the students write a short essay. I talk them through the usual aspects of close analysis: imagery, form, metaphors, diction, register and many of the technical aspects, like metre and stanza-forms. The rules of our university state that students who don't attend lessons are still entitled to sit exams; this means that I have to recommend books for home-study for those students who can't come to class. Naturally, I'd like them to read and buy books like Western Wind but I have to be realistic and realise that most of them are looking for something shorter; this class is just one part of their language-exam and I can't impose too much on them. I wonder if anyone has any good suggestions for helpful brief introductions to practical criticism of poetry. The book will need to be available through Amazon, so nothing too long out of print, if possible.