The Wild Swans at Coole


Read by Nicole Lee

(4 stars; 7 reviews)

The Wild Swans at Coole is a poignant collection of poems by William Butler Yeats, first published in 1917. This work captures the essence of Yeats' evolving voice during a pivotal time in his career, reflecting on themes of beauty, loss, and the passage of time.

Set against the backdrop of Coole Park, a place of personal significance to Yeats, the poems explore the interplay between nature and human experience. The titular poem, along with others in the collection, delves into the complexities of identity and the longing for a deeper connection to both the land and the cultural heritage of Ireland.

As Yeats grapples with the tensions of Irish nationalism and the quest for an authentic artistic expression, his lyrical style invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of change and continuity. This collection stands out for its rich imagery and emotional depth, making it a significant contribution to modern poetry.

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Section 1 29:20 Read by Nicole Lee
Section 2 32:23 Read by Nicole Lee

Reviews

an average reading of Yeats's poetry


(3 stars)

The reader has a soft, pleasant English voice which is nice to listen to, but the delivery is rather flat and brisk. In my personal opinion, most of Yeats's poems really ought to be read slower and with more grandeur or solemnity. At least all the poems are read correctly and understandably though, which is more than I can say for quite a few Librivox readers of Yeats's poetry. I also appreciate that the poems in this collection are recorded in batches on single tracks, only because it means I don't have to hear "this is a Librivox recording -- all Librivox recordings are in the public domain" -- every 45 seconds.