Poetic diction: A study of eighteenth century verse

"Poetic Diction: A Study of Eighteenth Century Verse" by Thomas Quayle is a detailed examination of eighteenth-century poetry that seeks to correct long-held misjudgments. Beginning with a look back at the criticisms that emerged after the “Lyrical Ballads,” the study challenges the negative views that have overshadowed poets like Pope and Dryden by simplifying their complex contributions. It promises a fresh look at the different types of poetic language used during this period—including the use of Latin, old-fashioned language, and abstract terms—to showcase how these choices mirrored the literary tastes and cultural environment of the time, ultimately arguing for a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of the era's verse.