The Beginnings of Poetry

"The Beginnings of Poetry" by Francis Barton Gummere is a detailed exploration into the historical roots of poetry not as an art form, but as a key social institution. This study focuses on how poetry developed within early societies, mapping its societal functions and evolution through history. The book starts by laying out the author's plan: to look at poetry as a vital part of human life, using rhythm as a central element for how poetry works. Rather than getting stuck on debates about what poetry is, the author plans to look at real examples to show how it worked in past communities. This approach frames poetry as a social creation and sets up the later chapters for review.