The Prelude to Poetry: The English Poets in the Defense and Praise of Their Own Art is a book written by Ernest Rhys and first published in 1897. The book is a collection of essays by various English poets, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats, among others. In these essays, the poets defend and praise the art of poetry, discussing its importance, its power to evoke emotions and inspire action, and its ability to capture the beauty of the natural world. They also discuss their own experiences as poets, sharing their thoughts on the creative process, the challenges of writing, and the rewards of seeing their work published and appreciated by others. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in English poetry, as it provides insight into the thoughts and experiences of some of the most celebrated poets in the English language. It is also a fascinating glimpse into the history of poetry, as the essays were written during a time when poetry was undergoing significant changes and innovations. Overall, The Prelude to Poetry is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that celebrates the power and beauty of poetry.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.