The Bridge of Fire

The Bridge of Fire, which appeared in 1907, was Flecker's first published collection of poetry. It contains 35 poems, a number of which were revised and republished in later collections, 36 Poems (1910), and 42 Poems (1911).

Flecker's verses are usually short and his diction is direct and economical. The longest poem is this collection is the title piece, which contains a little over 800 words. In 1913, Flecker prepared a tighter version of the poem, which runs to about 700 words. Both versions have been included in this recording.

As with Flecker's other collections, two persistent themes emerge: the poet's fascination with the glories of Grecian antiquity and his premonitions of an early demise. Flecker seemed to be acutely aware that not only would he pass away himself, but also the fading world of British imperialism of which he was a characteristic representative.

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