'The Art of English Poetry' may be roughly described as an English version of the 'Gradus ad Parnassum'. At least that is the tradition to which it belongs. Its immediate predecessor was the pleasant 'English Parnassus: Or, a Helpe to English Poesie' compiled by a Middlesex schoolmaster named Joshua Poole, and this work was avowedly modeled on Ravisius Textor's 'Epitheta' and the 'Thesaurus Poeticu's of Joannes Buchler. But whereas the 'English Parnassus' was designed for the schoolroom, 'The Art of English Poetry' was designed for the world of polite letters, and so may be called the first example in English of the handbook for the serious poet.

Written by an international group of highly regarded scholars and rooted in the field of intermedial approaches to literary studies, this volume explores the complex aesthetic process of "picturing" in early modern English literature. The essays in this volume offer a comprehensive and varied picture of the relationship between visual and verbal in the early modern period, while also contributing to the understanding of the literary context in which Shakespeare wrote. Using different methodological approaches and taking into account a great variety of texts, including Elizabethan sonnet sequences, metaphysical poetry, famous as well as anonymous plays, and court masques, the book opens new perspectives on the literary modes of "picturing" and on the relationship between this creative act and the tense artistic, religious and political background of early modern Europe. The first section explores different modes of looking at works of art and their relation with technological innovations and religious controversies, while the chapters in the second part highlight the multifaceted connections between European visual arts and English literary production. The third section explores the functions performed by portraits on the page and the stage, delving into the complex question of the relationship between visual and verbal representation. Finally, the chapters in the fourth section re-appraise early modern reflections on the relationship between word and image and on their respective power in light of early-seventeenth-century visual culture, with particular reference to the masque genre.

The first modernized and fully annotated edition of Puttenham's 1589 text.

In 'The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art,' edited by Thomas Bulfinch and Charles Mills Gayley, the reader is introduced to a meticulously curated anthology that explores the enduring allure and profound impact of classical myths on English literature and art. Through a diverse array of literary styles, the collection offers a comprehensive examination of how ancient myths have been reimagined and reinterpreted across different periods, highlighting the transformative power of mythology in shaping cultural narratives. The anthology stands out for its rich tapestry of perspectives, weaving together seminal works that underscore the contemporaneous relevance of these age-old stories. This scholarly compilation benefits immensely from the diverse backgrounds of Thomas Bulfinch and Charles Mills Gayley, whose collective expertise in mythology and literature provides an unparalleled insight into the interplay between myth and artistic expression. Aligning with various historical and cultural movements, their curation underscores the timeless nature of these myths, demonstrating how classical stories have continually adapted to reflect, critique, and influence societal values and human experiences across ages. 'The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art' is an essential read for those intrigued by the symbiotic relationship between mythology, literature, and art. It offers readers a unique portal to explore the myriad ways in which myth has permeated English literature and art, fostering a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity with which these tales have been retold. The anthology not only enriches ones understanding of literary and artistic tradition but also invites an engaging dialogue between the past and the present, making it an invaluable resource for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.