On English poetry: being an irregular approach to the psychology of this art, from evidence mainly subjective

"On English Poetry" by Robert Graves is a literary critique written in the early 20th century, specifically looking at the nature and psychology of poetry. The book explores the complex relationship between spontaneity and craft in poetic creation, while also delving into how poetry operates as both an art form and an expression of the poet's emotional and psychological conflicts. At the start of the work, Graves presents his thoughts on poetry and its dual nature. He distinguishes between poetry that arises spontaneously from the subconscious and poetry that is crafted with conscious intention, discussing how both aspects are integral to the poetic process. He uses engaging metaphors to illustrate the inner workings of a poet's mind and explains the importance of emotional conflict in the creation of true poetry, setting the tone for a deeper exploration of poetic theory throughout the text. Overall, Graves aims to dissect and understand the enigmatic qualities of poetry while acknowledging its profound impact on human emotion and expression.