Below is an initial list of Akhmatova poems we'll probably begin studying in September. I've chosen these because of their accessibility.
The more I read Akhmatova's poetry the more I realise how closely linked her work is to her life and the broader contexts of the twentieth century. I suggest that as you read and become familiar with her poetry you should refer the dates of authorship / publication and read up on relevant biographical issues and wider contextual issues including pre revolutionary, revolutionary and post revolutionary Russia, World War 1 and World War 2 as well as Starlin. Read these in conjuction with her writing.
You thought I was that type' *page 99
'Terror, rummaging through things in the dark' page 100
from Wind of War 'Birds of death' page 150
from Wind of War 6 - 7 In Memory of a Lenningrad boy, my neighbour Valya Smirnov' page 151
Slander page 101
Our Own Land page 225
'Everyone went away' page 178
Here is a broader general list of poems by Akhmatova. We'll be studying most of these poems during the course. I'll be adding to this list over the next few weeks.
from Wind of War
Wind of War page 149 - 154
The Moon in the Zenith page 157 - 162
When the moon lies on the windowsill' page 162
Tashkent Breaks into Bloom page 163
from Longer Poems
Requiem: Poems 1935 - 1940 page 281 - 288
*All page references refer specifically to the recommended book Selected Poems Anna Akhmatova published by Bloodaxe Books. Click here for a link. You may find cheaper copies of this edition elsewhere on the internet.
