Quaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry

Introduction

Edmund Goldsmid’s “Quaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry” is a collection of poetry and prose that offers a glimpse into the literary works of the past. This book is a unique medley of poems, songs, satires, and other literary pieces that have been compile from various sources. The collection includes works from well-known authors, as well as lesser-known writers whose works are just as compelling. In this review, we will explore the various aspects of this book.

The Compilation Process

The author of the book, Edmund Goldsmid, spent several years collecting and compiling the pieces that make up “Quaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry.” He gathered the works from different sources, including public and private libraries, old bookstalls, and auction rooms. The author’s dedication to the compilation process is evident in the diverse range of works include in the collection.

The Literary Works

“Quaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry” includes a wide range of literary works, including poems, songs, and satires. The pieces in the collection are from different time periods, ranging from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Some of the works are by well-known authors, such as Anthony Munday and Warren Hastings. Others are by lesser-known writers, whose works are just as compelling.

One of the standout pieces in the collection is “The Dirge” on page 53. This poem is a hauntingly beautiful elegy that speaks to the pain of loss and grief. The imagery in the poem is vivid and powerful, and the emotions it evokes are palpable. Another notable work is the “Satyre against the Scots” on page 47, which is a political satire that offers insight into the political climate of the time.

The Language and Style

The language and style of the literary works in “Quaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry” are diverse and varied. Some of the pieces are write in archaic language that may be difficult for modern readers to understand. However, this adds to the charm and authenticity of the collection, as it offers a glimpse into the language and style of the past.

The style of the pieces in the collection is also diverse. Some of the works are formal and structured, while others are more free-flowing and informal. This diversity adds to the richness of the collection and makes it an engaging read.

The Historical Context

“Quaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry” provides valuable insights into the historical context of the time periods in which the works were written. The collection includes pieces that offer insight into the political, social, and cultural climate of the past. The “Satyre against the Scots” on page 47, for example, provides a glimpse into the political tensions between England and Scotland during the sixteenth century.

The book also includes pieces that offer insight into the daily lives of people in the past. For example, the poem “A Country Life” on page 61 offers a glimpse into the simple pleasures of rural life during the seventeenth century.

Conclusion

“Quaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry” is a unique and engaging collection of literary works from the past. The book offers a diverse range of poems, songs, and satires from different time periods and authors. The language and style of the pieces are diverse and varied, and the historical context adds to the richness of the collection. This book is an excellent read for anyone interest in literature, history, or the intersection between the two.