Masters of the Craft by Don Gutteridge

A poetic collection dedicated to writers who have changed the world with words, Masters of the Craft by Don Gutteridge is an impressive homage to the written word and a pleasure to read.

From Shakespeare and Shelley to Blake and Wilde, each poem upon these pages honors the skill and impact of a legendary lyricist. Importantly, Gutteridge knows the work of these masters intimately enough to gift them a worthy tribute: “the fury / of his fame could not save him / from the ruin of Reading Gaol / and he perished a pauper in Paris,” or “There isn’t a room enormous / enough to hold the little- / lined, low-lettered / explosions of your poems.” Not only are these poems passionate elegies, but also skillful mimicries, utilizing enjambment, style, and references that accurately honor each writer in a way that is both erudite and respectful.

Like much of Gutteridge’s other poetry, the flow of the language is smooth and carefully polished, with perfectly placed line breaks and meticulous word choice; every line of these poems is built with intention. The fact that this collection represents a valuable history primer on great writers is a secondary bonus, as the poems themselves are confident, whimsical, and more than capable of standing alone. There are very few editing errors, though Gutteridge does have a particular penchant for alliteration that could be softened.

All told, this unique collection is another strong offering from a prolific poet, one who continually demonstrates stylistic versatility, literary knowledge, linguistic dexterity, and a passion for the poetic form that continually inspires.