Originally published in 1929, this book was written to provide younger readers with a broadly chronological course on English poetry, from Beowulf through to the early twentieth century. It was planned around the principle of combining the study of three elements normally given separate treatment in poetic analysis: form, spirit and history. The text is organised chronologically with each chapter containing examples of poetry from a specific era, textual commentary and exercises at the end. Detailed notes are incorporated throughout. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in English poetry, literary criticism and the history of education.