Philip Larkin: The Poet's Plight

by J. Booth

Overview

James Booth reads Philip Larkin's mature poetry in terms of his ambiguous self-image as lonely, anti-social outsider, plighted to his art, and as nine-to-five librarian, sharing the common plight of humanity. Booth's focus is on Larkin's artistry with words, the 'verbal devices' through which this purest of lyric poets celebrates 'the experience. The beauty.' Featuring discussion for the first time of two recently discovered poems by Larkin, this original and exciting new study will be of interest to all students, scholars and enthusiasts of Larkin.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781403918345
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	08/10/2005
Edition description:	2005
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

JAMES BOOTH is Professor of English at the University of Hull, UK. His publications include Philip Larkin: Writer and New Larkins for Old: Critical Essays. He edited Larkin's Trouble at Willow Gables and Other Fictions and helped Maeve Brennan with her memoir The Philip Larkin I knew. He is also Editor of The Larkin Society Journal.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Abbreviations The Poet's Plight Poetry as a Living Loves and Muses I Loves and Muses II Poetic Histories Living Rooms Empty Gestures Appendix Notes Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

'Fresh and engaging; sure to be welcomed by both confirmed admirers of Larkin's work and new readers alike.' - Douglas Dunn, University of St. Andrews

An authoritative and elegant elucidation of the poet's craft; Booth reads the poetry, as Larkin wrote it, for pleasure.' - Janice Rossen, Harry Ransom Humanities Research Centre, University of Texas

From the Publisher