Archive - Skinner's Notes

Among Schoolchildren

In the winter of 1926, William Butler Yeats visited a convent school in his official capacity as an Irish senator.

Aug 6 •

Skinner's Notes

July 2025

Shelley (1792-1822) and His Skylark

While walking one evening with his wife Mary Shelley, Percy Shelley heard a skylark’s singing above their heads.

Jul 14 •

Skinner's Notes

June 2025

The Lotos Eaters: Choric Song

In the previous post, I introduced Tennyson’s first five stanzas of “The Lotos-Eaters.” Here is the rest of the poem, which is a “Choric Song” of…

Jun 29 •

Skinner's Notes

No Finner Ear for Poetry

Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) was English Poet Laureate during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Jun 10 •

Skinner's Notes

May 2025

Matthew Arnold: Poet and Essayist

Along with Alfred Tennyson and Robert Browning, Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) was one of the most respected writers of the Victorian period (1832-1901).

May 26 •

Skinner's Notes

Milton: An Early Sonnet

In 1632, just past his twenty-third birthday, John Milton (1608-1674) seems to have had a touch of anxiety.

May 8 •

Skinner's Notes

April 2025

March 2025

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