A New History of English Metre

This comprehensive study offers a much-needed update to the century-old scholarship on English poetic meter, bridging traditional scansion with contemporary linguistic and cognitive approaches. Duffell tackles the full historical sweep of English versification while addressing the seismic shift brought by free verse's establishment alongside regular metrical forms. The work stands out for its systematic comparison of modern analytical theories, incorporating insights from statistics and cognitive science that previous histories lacked. This isn't merely an update but a complete rethinking of how we understand the rhythmic foundations of English poetry.

What distinguishes this volume is its ability to make complex metrical theory accessible without oversimplifying the sophisticated interplay between traditional forms and modern verse practices. Duffell provides readers with analytical tools that work equally well for Shakespeare's iambic pentameter and contemporary free verse, making it invaluable for students and scholars navigating poetry across centuries. The book's interdisciplinary approach creates a vital resource for anyone serious about understanding how English poetry works at its most fundamental level—its rhythmic heartbeat.