The Art of English Poetry (1708)

"The Art of English Poetry" by Edward Bysshe is a detailed manual from the 1700s that teaches the art of crafting English poems. Think of it as a toolbox for new poets. The book doesn't just give you the rules for how to write poems, but it also helps writers pick just the right words and phrases with skill. Bysshe stresses the importance of making sense, being proper, and having important thoughts when writing poetry, and he warns against just trying to write verses without substance. The guide has three main parts: rules for writing verses, a dictionary of rhymes, and a collection of great ideas in alphabetical order. It's like learning the rules of the game, having a cheat sheet for rhymes, and gaining inspiration all in one place, so serious writers can improve their skills.