Poetry for Poetry's Sake An Inaugural Lecture Delivered on June 5, 1901

"Poetry for Poetry's Sake" by A. C. Bradley is a lecture that explores what makes poetry important and valuable. Giving the lecture in 1901, Bradley talks about how poetry should be enjoyed and valued for what it is on its own, as a unique art form. He thinks poetry should be appreciated just for its own beauty and art, not because it teaches you something or makes you feel a certain way. Bradley explains that the real value of poetry is how it brings together language and meaning in a special way and that real poetry is found when form and substance come together. This combination creates something that’s meant to be experienced and appreciated as it is. Bradley argues against only focusing on what poetry means or how it's put together technically, because he feels this would take away from its true artistic worth. He shares how poetry connects with life, feelings, and experiences, proving why it’s such a valuable art form to human culture.