Product Description
'The mystery of Life, the mystery
Of Death, I see
Darkly as in a glass...'

Christina Rossetti (1830-94) is perhaps the most contradictory of the great Victorian poets. She writes of the world's beauty, but fears that it may be deceptive, even deadly.She is a religious poet, but much of her work is driven by uncertainty.Her poems are restrained, even secretive, but they seek nothing less than the mystery of Life and Death.

This edition contains Rossetti's strongest and most distinctive work: poetry (including 'Goblin Market', 'The Prince's Progress', and the sonnet sequence 'Monna Innominata'), stories (including the complete text of Maude), devotional prose (with nearly fifty entries from the 'reading diary' Times Flies), and personal letters. Those poems which Rossetti published, and those which she withheld from publication, are here brought together in chronological order, allowing the reader to observe her poetic trajectory. This edition also records the major revisions made by Rossetti when preparing her poems for publication.It brings together the fullest range of Rossetti's poetry and prose in one volume, and is an indispensable introduction to this entrancing writer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

superb edition
Simon Humphries has done a sensitive and meticulous job in editing these pieces. I can't recommend this highly enough.

Lovely
Christina Rossetti is such an amazing poet! I am not usually one for poetry, but her writing gave such depth to her private thoughts. The book itself is very nicely put together, with line numbers and notes. I think this is just a very lovely book for anyone who wants to become more worldly/cultured/exposed.

A Great Collection
This is a fantastic collection of the oft-overlooked poet, Christina Rossetti.I had ordered it at a bookstore, at first thinking I had ordered another book.When it came I was pleasantly surprised.It was much better than the one I thought I had ordered!The timeline and biography that editor Jan Marsh provides at the beginning of the book are invaluable.The book, as the title suggests, is divided into two sections--poetry and prose.What is not indicated is that included in Rossetti's short fiction are some of her letters which grant a bit of insight into her character.As for the fiction, it is evident that if Rossetti had turned her focus in that direction, she could have established a fine writing career."Commonplace" rivals any of Jane Austen's work, with its wit and insightful charactersation. The poetry section provides a variety of poems that prove Christina Rossetti one of the finest Victorian poets.Ranging from more well-known pieces like "Goblin Market", "Pilgrim's Progress" and the Monna Innominata sonnet sequence; to her less-read poems for children, this edition brings a wide variety of Rossetti's best work together.I highly recommend it.

Please, people, rediscover Christina Rossetti!
I would like to say read Christina Rossetti! She's very underappreciated. Her poetry is lyrical and musical with a kind of magic about it. Simple yet elegant. And her themes are on the surface "Victorian" but hersincerity and honesty are refreshing. ... Read more

Product Description
Christina Rossetti is unique among Victorian poets for the sheer range of her subject matter and the variety of her verse form. This first fully annotated collection, based on the definitive texts, brings together fantasy poems such as "Goblin Market," terrifyingly vivid verses for children, love lyrics, sonnets, hymns, and ballads, as well as the vast body of her devotional poetry. Weaving connections between love and death, triumph and loss, heavenly joys and earthly pleasures, Rossetti's poems startle the imagination with their extraordinary truth, beauty, and intensity.

This edition, the only one available in paperback, incorporates contextual notes as well as notes on the text and language, an introduction, and a chronology of Rossetti's life and work.

Edited by R. W. Crump.Introduction and notes by Betty Sue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Christina Rossetti Poetry
I'm enjoying having all of Rossetti's poems in one volume, to read at my leisure.My children and I have enjoyed her poetry in collection volumes for years, and we wanted more.

Christina Rossetti, The Complete Poems
Rossetti's vast output requires a hefty paperback book.This volume, however, is well put together, and seems physically to bear up under the strain of use.Its editors, Crump and Flowers, have done a masterful job of organizing Rossetti's grab bag into rational classifications.As a composer mining the collection for one or more song cycles, I find this edition a pleasure indeed.

Fields of poetic flowers
After the mysterious, luscious wonders of the acclaimed "Goblin Market," I was eager to sample more of Christina Rossetti's work. Selecting this immense volume of complete poems was a bit of a leap in the dark ... but it was definitely the right choice!

The root of her poetry's lasting power is twofold, I think.

Firstly, there's the undeniable craft & artistry of it. Rossetti possesses the gift of writing melodic, evocative poetry seemingly without effort -- whatever hard work went on behind the scenes, the result on the page is always natural, compelling, and transporting. Even the poems of grief & sorrow have a somber beauty to them, a melancholy loveliness that adorns death without masking it.

Secondly, there's the interplay between Rossetti's Victorian worldview -- a mixture of sentiment, complex piety, and a stark awareness of death -- and the personal psychological forces running below the surface, often sensual & erotic. All too easy for the clashing of these things to produce confusion; but in Rossetti's case, they blend to create a remarkable & very deep wellspring of poetry.

So we have such dreamlike poems as "The Dead City," as well as the many devotional poems -- and all draw upon that same vivid, intense power. Even for the agnostic or atheist, the religious poems often possess a rich & disturbing beauty. And there are many more poems in the same opulent vein as "Goblin Market."

This volume provides brief, informative textual notes that illuminate Rossetti's sources & references. But the poetry itself is not only quite accessible to the reader, it's also as irresistable as the sweet, addictive fruit offered by the sinister goblins. Most highly recommended!

Thorough
This 1,221 page edition is not easy to carry around with you, but it contains all of Rossetti's extensive poetry, plus a helpful introduction and extensive endnotes.If you want to delve beyond her "greatest hits" like "Goblin Market" and "Up-Hill," you'll find it all there, including her less popular devotional poems.

Poetry is alive!!!!!
Thank God that we can still find poetry, and therefore beauty, in the world today!!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Goblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other Poems is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Christina Georgina Rossetti is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Christina Georgina Rossetti then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

Product Description
These Everyman's Library Pocket Poets hardcover editions are popular for their compact size and reasonable price which do not compromise content. Poems: Rossetti contains a full selection of Rossetti's work, including her lyric poems, dramatic and narrative poems, rhymes and riddles, sonnet sequences, prayers and meditations, and an index of first lines. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I FELL IN LOVE WITH ROSSETTI'S POETRY YEARS AGO...
In high school we were required to read a small book of Rossetti's poems.All I can say is that from the first page I was hooked and fell in love with this woman's classic work!She weaves images, ideas, deep spirituality, and drama like a spider weaves webs.Her skill was sharp and prolific, my only regret is that she did not write more poetry, for she was extraordinarily gifted.

This is great!
If you want to buy a book of beautiful poems and give them to the one you love, this is it! ... Read more

Product Description
EVERYMAN'S POETRY LIBRARY: This new series of the world's greatest poetry features the hallmarks of Everyman Classics: top-quality production and reader-friendly design along with helpful notes and critiques. Each edition is also a great value, especially for those readers beginning to explore the work of this remarkable poet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fine Poetry Complemented by Fine Paintings
In the pre-raphaelite spirit of detailed craftsmanship this accomplished range of Christina Rossetti's poetry is illustrated by fine works of art that includes paintings by her brother and other pre-raphaelite painters,all contrasting with today's ugly, imitative fashions.

(Please note: Thisbook is not entitled Passion and Devastion but Passion and Devotion) ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Superb treasury of time-honored poetic gems includes Lewis Carroll’s "The Walrus and the Carpenter," Edward Lear’s "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat," Eugene Field’s "Wynken, Blynken and Nod," Emily Dickinson’s "I’m Nobody! Who are you?," Robert Louis Stevenson’s "The Swing," many more. Printed in large, easy-to-read type.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

disappointed in the book contents
I was pleased with the condition of the book, but disappointed in the book itself. Not what I was thinking it was.

Not usual short nursery rhymes
Book arrived quickly, new condition. This would be a book for adults to read to preschoolers, help memorize some of the poems.There are no illustrations, just text.Some poems are long...not many of the short familiar nursery rhymes that children like to chant.Low cost. Some of the poems were new to me.

Classic Favorites
Inexpensive and filled with gems. Enjoying old favorites and some I had never read before.

Teacher's Viewpoint
After looking through this poetry book, I decided that it would be a great book for my first grade students to own. Our classical Christian School encourages poetry memorization, and I know that my students could read manyof the poems, and their parents could read the others to them.What agreat bargain for classic children's poetry. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent
I remember reading Goblin Market for class at my university for British Literature. It was one of the best peoms I have ever read in that class. The imagery is fantastic and passionate.

When I found out that Goblin Market was published in this book, I was overjoyed. The other peoms were really delightful and really fit in with Goblin Market. Many of the peoms have religious and feminine themes in them, but are simply amazing. It's worth reading at least once.

An exquisite and sensuous work
The lead Amazon review, I think, is very much off the mark.Rossetti's works include passionate, idealized references to men, so it is doubtful she was a lesbian. Therefore Goblin Market was likely an outlet for thestrong sexuality of a strong woman bound by the conventions of Victoriansociety.It has been speculated that Goblin Market, as a poetic work ofPre-Raphaelite fantasy fiction, was written with the expectation that itssexual symbolism would be recognized by readers.I disagree, and believemany Victorians took it as a cautionary allegory warning girls against thewiles of the "coarser gender".Until some literary scholar ofthe period or of Rossetti steps forward with definitive social orbiographical information, I believe Victorian mothers may have read thiswork to young daughters, both blind to the innuendos and imagery.Thatsaid, whether Goblin Market's nuances were meant to be patent orsubliminal, it stands as a classic of its literary type, and is anexquisite, sensuous and passionate poetical work.

Precious and Important.
Whether you happen to know the how's and why's of Christana Rossetti's life and time, her poetry, and especially Goblin Market, is truely amazing. Of course knowing her circumstanses only makes the joy and fascination even bigger for a comtemporary reader. The courage and the cost for a woman tobe able to write what she wrote can only be imagined. She is the originalGirl Power if ever there was such a thing and Goblin Market a legacy of itstime.

for lovers of poetry
I think Goblin Market was a wonderful book for whatever type of life you happen to live.Each and every poem can be interpereted in so many different ways to pertain to your own life.The poems were not meant to betaken literally word for word, and the religious aspects of the book do notnecessarily need to be interpereted just as they are written.It is a bookof poems written by a strong woman that was not afraid to show herfeelings.I recommend it to anyone that enjoys poetry and has an open andthoughtful mind.

Goblin Market is Superb...
...however, a lot of the other works contained in this short compilation are a bit too feminine for my tastes. Also, unfortunately, a lot of the Judeo-Christian religious references do not exactly "float myboat." Goblin Market, though, is an exquisite epic to be enjoyed byall. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This new selection of Rossetti's poems brings together works by one of the most significant nineteenth-century English poets. It includes an illuminating introduction, a chronology of Rossetti's life and works, and explanatory notes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Superb paperback, but crippled Kindle edition
This Kindle book is handsomely formatted, and is (certainly for the money) the most comprehensive collection of Christina Rossetti poems currently available on Kindle. [Another Kindle option is Goblin Market and Other Poems (Trillium Classics), which while nicely formatted for Kindle, contains less than 50 (mainly early) poems and lacks explanatory Notes.] Unfortunately, whereas when you download Selected Poems: Rossetti it APPEARS at first glance to be a fully functioning item, clicking on underlined poems in Contents simply bounces you right back to the initial poem in the book!

I have contacted KINDLE, which has attempted to notify the publisher of this problem. Let's hope for a quick fix! When that happens, then the only drawback (for some readers) of this Kindle book, as far as I can tell, might be less copious supportive documentation, and absence of selected short stories and letters, which are both included in the Oxford World Classics paperback edition Poems and Prose (Oxford World's Classics)
________________________________
ADDENDUM (in response to the 29 September 2010 critical Comment by "Reader"): Having initially reviewed the Kindle edition of this book Selected Poems: Rossetti above, Amazon will not permit me to separately review the paperback edition Selected Poems (Penguin Classics). N.B.: So let me reiterate that the paperback is fine, as are The Complete Poems (Penguin Classics) and Poems and Prose (Oxford World's Classics), the latter book having been referred to in my original review above.

The bottom line is this: If you want a handsome selective compilation of Christina Rossetti's poems, go with Selected Poems (Penguin Classics), but make sure that the crippled formatting of the Kindle edition Selected Poems: Rossetti has been fixed before springing $9.99 for this electronic version. (This is hard to accomplish without first purchasing, and then returning, the defective Kindle book.) However, if you want to also dip into Rossetti's prose (e.g., short stories, letters, and essays), then purchase Poems and Prose (Oxford World's Classics). My favorite POETRY collection is the 1,312-page The Complete Poems (Penguin Classics), which has the bonus of including Rossetti's unpublished poems, such as the incomparable "Of My Life" (p. 830): Check it out by typing "I weary of my life Thro' the long sultry day" in the Search Inside This Book box. All three books have excellent explanatory Notes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Luminous beauty
I have been so delighted to find Rossetti's poetry. It is rare and delicious,I would recommend that anyone who loves poetry read it!

Luminous beauty
I have been so delighted to find Rossetti's poetry. It is rare and delicious,I would recommend that anyone who loves poetry read it! ... Read more

Product Description
Why is Christina Rossetti, one of the finest nineteenth-century poets, still so invisible today? This is the central question addressed in this important new biography. ... Read more

Product Description
Despite growing scholarly recognition of subversive social and political content in Victorian fairy tales, their significance in relation to the oft-cited Victorian 'spiritual crisis' remains largely unexplored. This interdisciplinary study addresses the critical gap by examining three literary revisions of "Sleeping Beauty" from the early 1860s as pointed efforts to enter the intensified religious debate following the publication of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of the Species". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Prettily Presented Classic
Noted Italian/English poetess of the 1800's Christina Rossetti's imagination catching poetry has stood the test of time, being still loved and studied today.Because of its title, Goblin Market sometimes gets put into a juvenile category, but this is a poem for mature readers.This moral tale depicts the epic struggle between bad and good.The goblin's onslaught on virtue immediately engages the reader's inner ear and heart.This poem is really gripping reading. Goblin Market is often considered Christina Rossetti's best poem.This re-issue, replete with noted illustrator Arthor Rackham's beautifully eerie drawings, is a book worth owning.

Beautiful, sensual, and subject to infinite interpretation
Goblin Market, a verse fairy tale that was first published in 1862, is a rather fascinating piece of masterful poetry.It tells a wonderfully sensuous tale that has inspired a myriad of interpretations.I've spent more time reading about Goblin Market than I did actually reading it - savoring it, rather, for it really calls for a much more personal treatment than a mere reading.This pre-Raphaelite work harbors latent eroticism that echoes with both renunciation and desire.Thus, some term it a work of repressed Victorian eroticism and grin knowingly (and leeringly) as they recount the fact that Goblin Market was quite a popular children's fairy tale in its day.Christine Rossetti was herself a recluse along the lines of Emily Dickinson, allowing her heart to sing freely even as she kept herself separated from any possible objects of her latent desires.

In the poem, one sister gives in to the temptation of the forbidden fruit offered by the dark goblins forever lurking in the twilight to seduce their victims to a first taste of their exotic wares.The desire to obtain more of the passion fruit overtakes her young life, yet the goblins appear to her no more; as a result, she begins to waste away near to death.At this point, her sister, who sensibly avoided temptation, willingly seeks to bargain with the goblins, only to have them force their juicy wares upon her.The fruity residue is enough, however, to revive her sister.The act of salvation is obviously the juiciest part of the story on a number of levels - such a sensual act between sisters, with lines such as "Hug me, kiss me, suck my juices" and "Eat me, drink me, love me," cries out for interpretation of all kinds - and those quick to criticize the hypocritical prudishness of Victorian society have a veritable field day with it.

Some say this is not a poem for children's ears?Balderdash.Like any masterful work of poetry, Goblin Market can be read and interpreted on many levels.Children will delight in its lyrical rhyming patterns, its allusions to wee goblins hawking the most delicious of fruits, and interpret the salvation of the tempted sister in comparatively innocent terms.I say leave the interpretations to the adults.And what interpretations there are of this lengthy poem.Some see in it a recreation of the genesis story, a story of sacrifice and redemption, a tale of lesbian yearning, a declaration of the power of sisterhood, a commentary on women as commodities in market society, evidence of sexual molestation by Rossetti's father, etc.There's no limit to the interpretations put forth about what is, on the surface, an engaging fairy tale set to verse.

This is a fascinating work of lyrical poetry that can be read fairly quickly yet will sustain your interest through multiple readings, all sorts of fascinating research into analysis and interpretation, and just plain wonderment.As sensual as it is beautiful, Goblin Market is probably one of the most fascinating and insightful products of Victorian literature.

Fantastic erotica not for children
I wonder if the good folk at the end of the 19th century when this poem was originally published were just too obtuse to understand the gist of Rossetti's work; if so, we have an innocent artifact that has evolved into something erotic because of our twentieth century sensibilities (we have dirtier minds than our compatriots from the past).

Don't let the word "erotica" scare you away. This is not a blatantly sexual work in its language; it is not a "dirty" book. Just understand that despite what anyone else says or writes, this is about as unambiguously EROTIC as you can get. With phrasing like "Eat me, drink me, love me; Laura, make much of me; For your sake I have braved the glen; And had to do with goblin merchant men."

Since the original work is now in the public domain, if you want to read the full text online just do a search using most standard search engines with the terms "Christina Rossetti Goblin Market" and you should turn up a number of links to the actual poems, go read it, and decide for yourself about it.

This makes a wonderful gift for people you are very close too. However, it is also a very personal poem, and if given inappropriately could actually scare someone away!

A tale to dream on...
A children tale for adults. It's a light and thoughtful reading.The story of two sisters and lewd goblin men. Innocence, temptation and emotions all together. This inspiring story has wonderful work of DanteGabriel Rossetti.

Redemption
This tale is not about sexuality but about redemption and the need to help others.Read deep into the story to find the meaning that Rossetti intended. ... Read more

Product Description
Poetry, prose & readings that speak of love. ... Read more