Famous Writings on Poetry

Throughout history there have been many essays and other writings on the aspects of poetry. Some of the more known include The Philosophy of Composition and The Poetics.

These writings not only describe what the author feels about poetry, but includes ways to improve ones own work. In Poe's The Philosophy of Composition, he claims he considers every aspect of a poem, including the terms "Nevermore" and "Lenore". By doing this, he controls the entire writing and meaning which is perceived by the reader. Even the vowels within some words hold more meaning than the definition itself.

"The Poetics", although outdated, gives an interesting look at what poetry is and was through the eyes of Aristotle. He attempts to explain what poetry is and the genres within. Although not influential during his time, during the Middle Ages the essay stood as a standard for the classification of poetry.

Writings which should be standard reading for all young poets:

Edgar Allan Poe's The Philosophy of Composition (Download eBook)
Edgar Allan Poe's The poetic principle (Download eBook)
Aristotle's The Poetics (Download eBook)
Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet (Download eBook)