Classical Poets Student Edition Books

Classical Poets Student Edition books are unique in their celebration of human civilization’s rich cultural traditions, including traditional metered poetry and great spiritual traditions. These great texts are made accessible often with illustrations and generous footnotes, as well as introductions with students and first-time readers in mind.

Poetry

How to Write Classical Poetry

This comprehensive volume contains the basics on writing metered poetry, different forms such as sonnet, haiku, limerick, rondeau, villanelle, and sestina. It also features great poems of the past and analysis of the poems.

Literature

The Iliad & The Odyssey by Homer

In one volume, these classics are brought to life with a plain English translation. Excerpts of Alexander Pope’s rhyming 18th century translation are also included to give a flavor of the excitement of the original Greek meter.

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

The 14th century Arthurian classic brought to life in delightful alliterative and in some cases metered poetic translation.

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare (Plus a Journey to the West Episode)

The profound play is translated within the original black verse, seamlessly synthesizing the original with a translation that is thoroughly readable and poetic. Additionally, a strikingly similar episode from the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West is included, making for great literary comparisons across civilizations.

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

The enchanting play is translated within the original black verse, seamlessly synthesizing the original with a translation that is thoroughly readable and poetic.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This version is significantly abridged to make it work for a class novel. However, it keeps the spectacular first act of the novel completely in tact, including the rich language and culture. Other parts included allow the complete story to be told and the themes to fully take shape in just under 400 pages.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

The original work plus helpful footnotes and images, as well as an introduction explaining key themes..

History

Epic History Tales—Oracle at Delphi, 300 Spartans, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar—by Jacob Abbott

Based on the original ancient histories of the Oracle at Delphi, the 300 Spartans, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar, adapted by 19th century writer Jacob Abbott and updated again for the modern classroom and home library. Abbott’s iconic adapted histories formed part of the foundation of Abraham Lincoln’s education.

The True History of Christopher Columbus by Edward Everett Hale

Reclaiming the history of Christopher Columbus, this history shows the well documented truth: Columbus was a courageous explorer and courteous conqueror. It also includes classic Columbus poems.