The Best of Robert Service [B1932-PB]

2006 PB Hancock House new and revised edition, in nice clean condition. A collection of 19 of the most popular poems of Robert Service, (1874-1958) an English-born Canadian poet and writer, often called 'The Bard of the Yukon' and 'The Canadian Kipling'. This new and revised edition of poems about the men and women of the North features the most loved ballads by Robert Service, a biographical sketch of the poet, and lively illustrations by Marilen Van Nimwegen.

Born in Lancashire of Scottish descent, Robert Service was a bank clerk by trade, and spent long periods travelling in the west in the United States and Canada, often in poverty. When his bank sent him to the Yukon, he was inspired by tales of the Klondike Gold Rush, and wrote two poems, The Shooting of Dan McGrew and The Cremation of Sam McGee, which showed remarkable authenticity from an author with no experience of the gold rush or mining, and enjoyed immediate popularity. Both of these ballads are included in this collection along with dozens of his other other top hits. Robert Service wrote and published into his mid-eighties. He was quoted as saying, "I just go for a walk and come back with a poem in my pocket."

From recent-ish Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "A 5 star display of unique poetic perspectives. A great collection of Service poetry that well represents the range of his style and character compositions as he chronicles the Arctic experience in gold rush times."; "From my grandfather's evenings by the 7-Mile fireplace reciting Service's vivid verses, to my dad's recitation of Service's poems that brought the Yukon to life, this collection has been a beloved companion. My children have grown up with the rhythmic tales of adventure and resilience, and now, my grandchildren are discovering the same magic in Service's words. His poetry transcends time, captivating hearts and sparking imaginations across ages. This anthology is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, and it holds a cherished place in our family's literary heritage."; "I had never heard of him until this reading challenge that I'm doing. Great storyteller."; "My Father read many of these poems aloud to me as a child. I read them aloud to myself now during the winter months when it feels like the cold of the Yukon. Fond memories and good narratives, what more could you want on a cold winter's afternoon. Try this one out loud."