The Art of English Poetry (1708)

The Art of English Poetry, written by Edward Bysshe in 1708, is a foundational guide to English prosody and verse construction. This handbook provides aspiring poets with rules for writing poetry, a rhyming dictionary, and a collection of significant poetic quotations from established authors. Bysshe emphasizes the importance of strong sense and elevated thought in poetic expression, aiming to refine the craft of poetry and enhance the skills of serious poets while grounding his work in the traditions of English literature.