Abstract

An Unacknowledged Imagist

The recently published Imagist anthology, "Some Imagist Poets," which represents an unobtrusive but significant reaction against the vagaries of the extreme left wing, is prefaced by a concise summary of the principles on which the moderate Imagists found their practice. These principles (omitting their elaboration) are as follows: To use the language of common speech, but to employ always the exact word. To create new rhythms-as the expression of new moods-not to copy old rhythms, which merely echo old moods. To present an image (hence the name: "Imagist"). The author points out that Imagist verse of high distinction--verse which conforms to all the canons of the school--is found in abundance in the works of certain modern writers of English prose.