Mary and Mr Eliot: A Sort of Love Story

A close friendship of twenty-five years existed between T.S. Eliot and Mary Trevelyan, who shared dinners Eliot cooked in his rolled-up shirtsleeves, played records, and attended church together. Eliot's heart was elsewhere, though, and Erica Wagner has pieced together this story of an unusual friendship in her intimate portrait of T.S. Eliot and Mary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

T.S. Eliot and Mary Trevelyan's Intimate Friendship

William Boyd, in his review of "T.S. Eliot and Mary Trevelyan: A Friendship Record," described the book as "completely fascinating, revelatory." He further remarked that it stands as a classic of its kind. Margaret Drabble, writing for the "New Statesman," also praised the book, calling it "compelling" and "compulsive."

T.S. Eliot and Mary Trevelyan shared a close friendship that lasted for twenty-five years. They engaged in various activities together, such as playing records, going for drives with Mary at the wheel, sharing dinners Eliot cooked in his rolled-up shirtsleeves, and attending church together. While Mary had hopes of their friendship evolving into something more, Eliot's heart was elsewhere.

To shed light on this unique friendship, Erica Wagner has compiled a story using a collection of diaries, letters, and pictures left behind by Mary. Through this intimate portrait, Wagner seeks to bring attention to the formidable woman Mary Trevelyan, who has been somewhat sidelined by literary history.

The book offers a glimpse into the private lives of T.S. Eliot and Mary, providing a deeper understanding of their relationship and the complexities of their emotional bond. It sheds light on Mary's unwavering loyalty and support, as well as her own personal struggles and achievements.

"T.S. Eliot and Mary Trevelyan: A Friendship Record" is a valuable addition to the literature on T.S. Eliot and his circle of friends. It offers a fresh perspective on an often overlooked aspect of his life and provides a compelling narrative that will interest readers who are passionate about literature, history, and the complexities of human relationships.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571337347
Edition number: Main