This important work, first published in 1934, is a concise statement of Pound'saesthetic theory. It is a primer for the reader who wants to maintain an active, critical mind and become increasingly sensitive to the beauty and inspiration ofthe world's best literature. With characteristic vigor and iconoclasm, Pound illustrates his precepts with exhibits meticulously chosen from the classics, andthe concluding "Treatise on Meter" provides an illuminating essay for anyoneaspiring to read and write poetry. ABC of Reading displays Pound's great ability to open new avenues in literature for our time.