The entire history of Western poetry is surveyed in this study, from the ancient world, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the modern period. Two hundred poems extracts are included, and 10 poets are covered in depth, with critical appraisals of their lives and work. Problems of translation in poetry are carefully considered, and the book provides a working definition of poetry, calling it a form of expression human beings turn to when they need to say something important in a memorable way.