The Defence of Poesie
Excerpt
"When the right vertuous E.W. and I, were at the Emperours Court togither, wee gaue our selues to learne horsemanship of Ion Pietro Pugliano, one that with great commendation had the place of an Esquir..."
About this book
In The Defence of Poesie, Philip Sidney makes a passionate argument for the enduring value and power of poetry. Written in response to contemporary criticism, Sidney boldly asserts poetry's ancient and universal prestige, tracing its origins back to the time when it was the first source of light for civilisation. Sidney champions poetry's unique ability to teach and delight, arguing that it surpasses both philosophy which offers abstract precepts and history which provides mere facts. By crafting speaking pictures of what should be rather than simply what is, the poet inspires virtuous action more effectively than any other art. He vigorously refutes charges that poetry is a mother of lies or a nurse of abuse, contending that its fictions serve higher moral truths and that any perceived failings lie with human misuse, not the art itself. Although he laments the state of English poetry in his own time, Sidney praises the English language as being perfectly suited to poetic excellence. This seminal work remains a profound exploration of the purpose of art, celebrating the creative imagination and providing a timeless testament to the essential role of the poet in shaping moral character and inspiring the human spirit. This bilingual edition presents the original text side-by-side with a translation.