Mine Own Familiar Friend: The Relationship between Gerard Hopkins and Robert Bridges

Mine Own Familiar Friend explores the complex and sometimes confounding friendship between Gerard Hopkins and Robert Bridges, highlighting the divide between the two men in their approach to poetry, reading, criticism, and language. The book is aimed at both academic and generalist audiences, providing insight into Hopkins's unique modernist poet and his published works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 09 July 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

Through its examination of the intricate and occasionally perplexing friendship between the Jesuit priest and poet Gerard Hopkins and the editor of his first collected works, the poet and critic Robert Bridges, Mine Own Familiar Friend offers a fresh perspective on Hopkins Studies. The two men's differences are apparent in almost every aspect of their lives, from their approach to poetry, reading, criticism, and language. The book, which is based on the primary texts of the two men's letters, poetry, and critical writings, is intended for both an academic and a more generalist audience: Hopkins scholars and those readers of Hopkins's poetry who may wish to learn more about this unique modernist poet whose collected works were only published, thanks to Bridges, some twenty-nine years after his death.

The friendship between Gerard Hopkins and Robert Bridges was a complex and often enigmatic relationship that played a significant role in the development of Hopkins's literary career. Hopkins, a Catholic priest and poet, was known for his innovative and experimental approach to poetry, which often defied traditional poetic conventions. Bridges, on the other hand, was a prominent poet and critic who played a crucial role in editing and publishing Hopkins's first collected works.

The divide between Hopkins and Bridges was evident in many aspects of their lives, including their approach to poetry. Hopkins was a deeply religious man who believed that poetry should be used to express the spiritual truths of the Catholic Church. He was often criticized for his use of religious imagery and symbolism in his poetry, which some critics saw as a form of religious proselytizing. Bridges, on the other hand, was a secular humanist who believed that poetry should be free from religious constraints and should be open to all forms of expression.

Despite their differences, Hopkins and Bridges shared a deep appreciation for the power of poetry to communicate and inspire. They were also committed to promoting the work of other poets and writers, and they worked together to establish the literary journal The Dial, which was a key platform for the modernist literary movement.

One of the most significant aspects of their friendship was their mutual support and encouragement. Hopkins was often struggling with his confidence and self-doubt as a poet, and Bridges was there to offer him support and encouragement. He helped to edit and publish Hopkins's first collected works, and he also provided critical praise for his work, which helped to establish his reputation as a significant poet of the 20th century.

In addition to their literary work, Hopkins and Bridges also had a close personal relationship. They spent many hours discussing literature, philosophy, and religion, and they developed a deep bond of trust and respect. However, their friendship was not without its challenges. There were times when Hopkins and Bridges disagreed on literary matters, and there were also tensions between their religious and secular beliefs.

Despite these challenges, their friendship continued to thrive, and it played a significant role in the development of Hopkins's literary career. His poetry became more accessible and widely read thanks to Bridges's editing and publication efforts, and he went on to become one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century.

In conclusion, the friendship between Gerard Hopkins and Robert Bridges was a complex and multifaceted relationship that played a crucial role in the development of Hopkins's literary career. While they had differences in their approach to poetry and their beliefs, they shared a deep appreciation for the power of poetry and a commitment to promoting the work of other poets and writers. Their friendship was characterized by mutual support and encouragement, and it continued to thrive even in the face of challenges and disagreements.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800794856
Edition number: New ed