EPISODE · Jun 21, 2026 · 15 MIN
The Blue Poetry Book Introduction
from The Andrew Lang Library · host Andrew Lang
In which the editor gently unfolds the purpose and spirit of a carefully chosen collection of poems, reflecting on the rich predominance of Northern ballads and the youthful delight in verse that evokes adventure, beauty, and the unfathomable world of childhood imagination. He muses on the delicate balance between simplicity and depth in poetry for the young, urging a tender respect for their capacity to appreciate the unknown and the music of language, while cautioning against the sterility of over-explanation that might choke the natural love of verse.
What this episode covers
In which the editor gently unfolds the purpose and spirit of a carefully chosen collection of poems, reflecting on the rich predominance of Northern ballads and the youthful delight in verse that evokes adventure, beauty, and the unfathomable world of childhood imagination. He muses on the delicate balance between simplicity and depth in poetry for the young, urging a tender respect for their capacity to appreciate the unknown and the music of language, while cautioning against the sterility of over-explanation that might choke the natural love of verse.
NOW PLAYING
The Blue Poetry Book Introduction
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m