Books Like...

'Poems and Ballads' by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a collection of poetry that covers a wide range of themes and styles. It includes poems that delve into controversial topics such as lesbianism, cannibalism, and sadomasochism, which were considered shocking during the Victorian era. is described as a mix of sublime poetry and bawdy verses, showcasing Swinburne's unique writing style that both captivates and challenges readers. Despite some readers finding the collection a bit lacking in certain areas, it is praised for offering a comprehensive overview of Swinburne's work.

'A Shropshire Lad' by A.E. Housman is a collection of poems that delve into themes of evanescent youth, beautiful English rural scenery, and untimely sudden death. The poems are described as having a deceptively simple, almost folkloric style that immerses the reader into the world of the poems. While the title may suggest a rural idyll, the majority of the poems explore themes of death, war, and the melancholy musings of lost love and growing up.