Dickinson's Nerves, Frost's Woods: Poetry in the Shadow of the Past

William Logan, a renowned poet critic, explores the greatest poems in English literature, offering new perspectives and ways of reading poets from Shakespeare to Lowell and Heaney. He combines history and poetry to provide fresh interpretations, drawing on the material culture of the time to understand the poets' lives and times. Criticism must transcend the words of the poem and embrace the lost world of the poet's life and the era.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

William Logan, a renowned and often controversial critic of contemporary poetry, delves into the depths of English literature in his book "Dickinsons Nerves, Frosts Woods." Through his insightful and thought-provoking essays, Logan explores some of the most celebrated poems and reveals hidden aspects that shed new light on their meaning. He skillfully pairs different poems, such as "Ozymandias," "On First Looking Into Chapmans Homer," "In a Station of the Metro," "The Red Wheelbarrow," "After great pain, a formal feeling comes," and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," among others, to create intriguing connections and offer fresh perspectives on the works of poets ranging from Shakespeare and Shelley to Lowell and Heaney.

Logan's approach to criticism is unique and captivating. He combines historical context with a deep understanding of the material culture of the time in which the poets lived. By examining postal deliveries in Regency London, the Métro lighting in 1911 Paris, or the wheelbarrows used in 1923, Logan adds depth and richness to his analysis. This knowledge enables him to interpret the poems in a fresh and innovative way, allowing readers to appreciate them anew.

One of the key themes in "Dickinsons Nerves, Frosts Woods" is the idea that criticism cannot be confined solely to the words of the poem. Logan argues that criticism must also have a connection to the lost world of the poet's life and the shadow of the age in which they lived. By exploring the personal experiences and societal context of the poets, Logan provides a deeper understanding of their works and helps readers appreciate them in a more profound manner.

Logan's essays are filled with insightful observations and thought-provoking interpretations. He challenges traditional readings of the poems and offers new insights that deepen our appreciation for the art of poetry. His writing is engaging, accessible, and intellectually stimulating, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in poetry and literary criticism.

In conclusion, "Dickinsons Nerves, Frosts Woods" by William Logan is a remarkable book that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on English literature. Through his essays, Logan explores the poetry of the past through the lens of the past, providing new ways of reading and understanding the works of celebrated poets. His combination of historical context, material culture, and personal insights adds depth and richness to his criticism, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in poetry and literary criticism.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231186155