T. S. ELIOT

by Bernard Bergonzi ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1972

This fine, short, admirably clear critical biography (in the Masters of World Literature Series) should appeal not only to those relatively unacquainted with other criticism of the poet but also to students seeking an overall view of the poet's work and its interconnectedness with his life. Particularly in the case of T. S. Eliot, this means the development of his ideas about literature and religion and their effect on that vague thing called culture, plus how all this reflected on his very special and rather utopian concept of the state. The biographical content of each chapter summarizes the bare yet important facts, avoiding speculation, and is followed by sections first describing, then presenting critical approaches (rather than answers) for understanding and evaluating the works of that period. The author is sympathetic without being obsequious and his moderate, unpolemical and unrhetorical judgments are highly persuasive.

Pub Date: March 1, 1972

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1972

Categories: NONFICTION