Monumental Verses

Bibliography
Lewis, Patrick J. 2005. Monumental Verses. Washington D.C.: National Geographic. ISBN: 0792271394.

Plot Summary
Monumental Verses are poems that describe the 13 man made marvels of world. From the Empire State Building to the Eiffel Tower and from Great Pyramids of Egypt to Machu Picchu in Peru the poems pay homage to these wonders of the world.

Critical Analysis
J. Patrick Lewis has written remarkable poems that are just as breathtaking as the monuments he is describing. In addition to the 13 wonderful poems he has written an opening poem and also another poem admiring the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the back cover of the book. The poet has used the shape poem technique for some poems writing in the shape of the monument. The language of the poem is simple and easy to understand, yet the words strongly highlight the enormity of the structures. The rhythm and the sounds of the words in the poem are enjoyable. The poet has used some excellent photographs to display these monuments in the book.

The poems can be used in classrooms and by students to learn more about the wonders of the world. This book can also serve as a great connection while learning about different countries. Although this poetry book is intended for older readers, it is a small book and the poems are short, making it an easy reader even for younger children.