The New Golden Treasury of English Verse by Edward Leeson

“The New Golden Treasury of English Verse” is a book of poetry edited by British poet and critic Edward Leeson, first published in 1960. The book is an updated version of “The Golden Treasury of English Songs and Lyrics,” edited by Francis Palgrave and first published in 1861.

Leeson’s anthology includes a selection of English poetry from the medieval period to the mid-20th century, with a focus on works that are considered to be of lasting literary value. The book includes works by poets such as William Shakespeare, John Donne, William Wordsworth, T.S. Eliot, and W.H. Auden, as well as many lesser-known poets.

The poetry in “The New Golden Treasury of English Verse” covers a wide range of themes and styles, including love, nature, war, and social commentary. The book is organized thematically, with sections devoted to topics such as “Love and Beauty,” “War and Peace,” and “The Passing of Time.”

Leeson’s introductions to each section provide historical and literary context for the poetry, and his notes on individual poems offer insights into their meaning and significance. The book’s accessible and engaging writing has made it a popular introduction to English poetry for generations of readers.

Overall, “The New Golden Treasury of English Verse” is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and beauty of English poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of the written word.