British Library
British Library: Tennyson's the Charge of the Light Brigade: A Close Reading
In this activity, students will consider the context within which Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'. The poem immediately captured the public imagination, where it has remained, testimony to heroic failure,...
Luminarium
Luminarium: George Herbert (1593 1633)
The Luminarium site provides biographical information, as well as links to Herbert's writing, and to essays about his works. Excellent site.
St. John's College, Oxford University, U.K.
Robert Graves Trust
This comprehensive website is devoted to the study of the English poet-novelist Robert Graves. Includes links to biographical pages that describe Graves's writing habits and show photographs of his study.
Other
George Herbert, Priest and Poet
This biography focuses on Herbert's life in the church and on his character. His poetry is discussed as an extention of his faith.
Other
Goucher College: George Herbert, "The Temple"
From material for a college course, this site provides an overview of Herbert's "The Temple," as well as noting issues that affect some individual poems. There are also some research suggestions.
Other
Passions in Poetry: George Herbert 1593 1633
This brief biography of Herbert is accompanied by the texts of fifteen of his poems. The poems have no commentary with them.
Other
Fu Jen Catholic University: Metaphysical Poetry
This site from the Fu Jen University describes the term "metaphysical" and gives history and definition of the term "metaphysical poet" as coined by critic Samuel Johnson.
Other
Samuel Johnson Page: Brief Biography
A biographical sketch of Johnson, featuring information about his difficult birth and childhood illnesses, his failed teaching career, and some details of his literary accomplishments.
Other
Up Word: The First Book of Urizen
A verse-by-verse version of William Blake's (1757-1827 CE) First Book of Urizen is offered here at up Word. A lot of clicking, as each verse is a separate page. Not illustrated.
Other
Poets' Corner: John Donne's Holy Sonnets
There are nineteen of John Donne's sonnets at this page. There is no commentary or other explanatory information.
University of Toronto (Canada)
University of Toronto: Selected Poetry of George Herbert
Get a taste of metaphysical poetry from one of the most famous metaphysical poets, George Herbert. Here are 21 of his poems, as well as some brief biographical information.
University of Toronto (Canada)
University of Toronto: Selected Poetry of Andrew Marvell
Get a taste of the metaphysical style by reading selected works of Andrew Marvell, noted metaphysical poet of the 17th century.
University of Toronto (Canada)
University of Toronto: Richard Crashaw Poetry
This site from the University of Toronto has information on one of the noted 17th century Metaphysical Poets. Get a feel of the metaphysical style by viewing Crashaw's poetry on-line.
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: Andrew Marvell the Garden*
This site provides the orginal text of Marvell's poem, "The Garden," without explanatory note. In this poem, Marvell compares the soldiers in England's Civil War to flowers.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: The Heroic Couplet: Its Rhyme and Reason
Lengthy academic essay that argues that traditional poetry, including the heroic couplet, is still relevant in the modern world. While this is discussed, the history of the heroic couplet is provided. A good definition of the term with...
University of Georgia
University of Georgia: The Complete Poetry and Prose of William Blake
This is the full collection of The Complete Poetry and Prose of William Blake, edited by David V. Erdman. Click on the title of the desired poem or series of poems.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Andrew Marvell
A biography of 17th century British poet, Andrew Marvell, with the texts of three of his works. Included is his most famous poem, "To His Coy Mistress."
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: John Donne
This online resource focuses on the life and work of John Donne. Includes links to related sources.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Alexander Pope
Explore the world of Alexander Pope through the links found in this informative resource. This site provides links to biographical information and lesson plans for "The Rape of Lock."
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: World War I English Poetry
This site from the Forham University provides information and text of the some of the poetry that was written by English poets during the first world war.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Shakespeare:blank Verse
This discussion of blank verse is taken from a larger article on Shakespeare and the Globe Theater. It defines the term and discusses its importance in the history of British poetry.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Terms: Heroic Couplets
A short definition of the term Heroic Couplet along with a short example from a piece of poetry from Pope's Essay on Criticism.
Other
Twentieth Century British Literature
This introductory note to 20th century British literature presents links to informative sites for student research and lists of authors.
University of Massachusetts
Univ. Of Mass.: A Very Brief Biography of Alexander Pope
This site gives a brief overview of Alexander Pope's life. It includes links to two pictures of him--one as a child and one as an adult.