In HS, I read some of the classics - various novels from Hemingway, Dickens and the like. And of course Shakespeare.

But it occurs to me that there is so much more out there. I have a book or two of Frost and Dickinson.

But I came across a poem that grabbed my attention in a movie I watched recently. It's a poem called Casabianca. The character in the movie recited it from memory.

How does one get exposed to such works? Is it a casual, informal curriculum that one undertakes? Or is it more formalized as part of UK education? HS? College?

I'd love to get broader exposure to these types of works. Any suggestions?

And also, this Casabianca poem seems to be written by Felicia Hemans. Is she worth further reading? If so, any recommendations for a particular book containing her poems (perhaps one that also contains Casabianca)?

Don’t have any help but my faith was restored a tad yesterday.

I was at the Aoto Hobby Shop on MCAS Miramer changing my oil. In a bay next to me was a young Marine working on his truck with an eyecandy of a girlfriend (or wife) sitting there with him and reading and actual paper type book.

NOT on a phone and didn’t appear to be a textbook.

She was reading an actual book!! Lololol

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
Don’t have any help but my faith was restored a tad yesterday.

I was at the Aoto Hobby Shop on MCAS Miramer changing my oil. In a bay next to me was a young Marine working on his truck with an eyecandy of a girlfriend (or wife) sitting there with him and reading and actual paper type book.

NOT on a phone and didn’t appear to be a textbook.

She was reading an actual book!! Lololol

Just because someone is looking at a phone doesn't mean they aren't reading a book... I'm a voracious reader, but I prefer to do it on my phone via the Kindle app. Ebooks are cheaper than physical books, it allows easy access no matter where I am, and it doesn't require me to carry around anything other than what I normally do.

The Poisonwood Bible
Barbara Kingsolver

It’s a masterpiece

Perhaps audit some University LIT classes?

Yes, no paper books doesn’t mean no reading. The last time I checked my Barnes and Noble Nook ereader, I had 386 books, all of which I’ve read. In my paper library I’ve numbered just over 2000 of them for reference, but I do have a few duplicates as Nook books because it’s easier to handle and read them, especially in bed or away from home.
But to return to the original question, that I can’t help with.

Try www dot gutenberg dot org. Thousands of free downloads of classic literature and other books.

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Perhaps audit some University LIT classes?

I like this suggestion, at least to partially discover interesting literature. As a retiree, most staes offer some kind of free college programs.

ETA...depending on where you are, you might have colleges that are too left for you and thus, not the lit you appreciate.

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Perhaps audit some University LIT classes?

or explore some of the no/low-cost on-line university's literature classes. I suspect you could get a pretty decent reading list just from course descriptions.

and...there is always your local community library. I've yet to meet a librarian that doesn't delight in making recommendations.

Hemans is highly regarded and the poem Casablanca is famous. If you enjoyed Hemans, check out Lord Byron.

quote:

Originally posted by bdylan:
Hemans is highly regarded and the poem Casablanca is famous. If you enjoyed Hemans, check out Lord Byron.

And for all the fame and regard, I've only first been exposed at my ripe tender age of now. I feel like again I've missed out in much in my life. I'll look up Lord Byron. Thanks.

I'll check out the local college but didn't see much on initial scan. And likely woke so perhaps just try to get some ideas on syllabus.

Perhaps a look at the syllabus for one who is reading the classics at Cambridge / Oxford....? Not sure if that's available or not. Or perhaps I'll try to search for "top 100 classics" from the Oxford perspective.