The Penguin Book Of Contemporary Verse

Ah, "The Penguin Book of Contemporary Verse," a title that could easily be mistaken for the name of a hipster café featuring artisanal scones and mildly pretentious poetry readings. Published in 1966, this collection by Kenneth Allott purports to capture the essence of contemporary verse, as if verse itself were a fleeting figure slipping through the fingers of time. With a cover that screams ’I was once in a trendy university library,’ this anthology holds within its pages a smorgasbord of poetic musings that likely match the existential crisis of the ’60s with the caffeine-induced ramblings of a nonchalant poet in a beret.

As you plunge into the dense foliage of verse—somewhere between a word salad and an existential buffet—you may find yourself questioning not only the meaning of life but also if "contemporary" is an adjective that has passed its sell-by date. Whether you’re looking for the invigorating taste of fresh poetic insights or merely the aged aroma of something that once was, Allott’s curation promises to tickle your literary taste buds while possibly sending them into a nostalgic coma.

In this anthology, you can expect to encounter a delightful mix of poets who were contemporary in the 1960s but might now be relegated to obscurity, much like the VHS tapes languishing in your attic. Among the contributors, you’ll find names that evoke a sense of misplaced reverence, as if reciting them aloud will earn you instant credibility at an exclusive literary salon. Each poem beckons you to engage with its black-and-white musings on life, love, and the occasional existential dread, all packaged neatly in the iconic Penguin format that has since been overshadowed by a dizzying array of modern design choices.

But let us not forget the true charm of "The Penguin Book of Contemporary Verse." It serves as a time capsule of sorts, preserving not just the ink and paper but the ethos of an era marked by flower power, social upheaval, and the ever-looming specter of Lord Byron’s legacy. If you long to experience the thrill of dodging literary landmines that could detonate your understanding of poetry, you’re in for a treat. Allott’s selections range from the mildly profound to the utterly baffling, offering readers an unparalleled opportunity to nod thoughtfully while inwardly scrambling for the meaning of a single line.

This book also doubles as an excellent conversation starter—who doesn’t love casually dropping the name of an obscure poet at a dinner party? Your guests will either be eager to engage in a spirited debate about the nuances of verse or will simply nod along, hoping someone else will change the subject to something less mind-bending, like the weather or the latest season of that reality show everyone seems to be watching. So go ahead, flip through the pages, and prepare to sound impressively well-read while remaining blissfully unaware of what you just consumed.

Condition: Used, but in that charmingly battered way that suggests it has been well-loved, or at the very least, well-dusted. Expect the occasional dog-eared page, which only adds to its character, much like the quirky friend who insists on quoting T.S. Eliot at every gathering. The spine might be slightly creased, giving it an air of well-trodden wisdom, reminiscent of a philosopher whose thoughts have been lovingly debated over countless cups of tea.

So, whether you’re an unsuspecting beginner hoping to dip your toes into the world of poetry or a seasoned veteran looking to reminisce about days gone by, "The Penguin Book of Contemporary Verse" offers a piquant slice of 1960s literary life. Grab it from Crappy Old Books and immerse yourself in a world where the only certainty is uncertainty—and possibly a misplaced metaphor or two. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of irony with their verse?

Ex-school book from Forest Hill School Library.

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