THE UNICORN

by Virginia Moore ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 11, 1954

A sensitive, scholarly and often brilliant study of the sources of William Butler Yeats' religious beliefs- in relation to his poetry. Miss Moore traces the specific areas of influence to the Druidic tradition in Ireland, to Hermetic literature, and above all to Blake- along with his initiation as a young man into a society devoted to the study and practice of Christian Cabalism. Besides this fascinating description of the life of a mystic, there is a great deal of new material on his strange and tragic love for Maud Gonne, its platonic aspects and spiritual ardors and mutual visions, while the more carnal love and long friendship with Olivia Shakespeare is interpreted with understanding. And so- these many influences, literary and personal and religious, illuminate the growth of Yeats as a personality and much which is recondite and remote in his poetry. Her examination is both intensive (it is explicity documented) and perceptive to the highest degree, and while limited to a special and perhaps esoteric market- makes a definite contribution.

Pub Date: May 11, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1954

Categories: NONFICTION