ON POETRY AND POETS

The publication of a volume of critical essays by T.S. Eliot is always a literary event of high order, destined to provoke thought, controversy and praise. The present volume, which contains pieces written over a thirty year old period (1926-1956), amply fulfills all these expectations. Particularly in the first section- On Poetry- Eliot shows a greater degree of flexibility and range in his thought than one might have expected. In fact, maturity is the hallmark of this section which ends with a brilliant essay on the Frontiers of Criticism. The second section is one of unexpected charm. It contains the famous first critical essay against Milton, followed by the second equally famous recantation. In a long, scholarly essay on Goethe, Eliot also admits to having had to overcome an early resistance which has been followed by a great admiration. Perhaps the most delightful essay in the whole book is the delicately appreciative one of Vergil and the ristian World...... A volume which hardly needs recommendation to all who take literature, language and civilization seriously.