"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Mendelson's book is not a biography in the strict sense. Rather it takes its cue from Auden's comment that "for a poet myself, autobiography is redundant, since anything of any importance that happens to one is immediately incorporated, however obscurely, into a poem". Mendelson offers an account of the writing: he demonstrates how and where Auden's life, intellectual development and transient enthusiasms can be observed playing themselves out in the poetry. Mendelson acknowledges his debt to the scholarly apparatus that has been developed over the years by Auden scholars--notably by figures like Nicholas Jenkins, Katherine Bucknell and John Fuller--and his own role as Auden's literary executor ensures that the readings are close and justifiable.
The book begins with a considerable and considered account of the famous elegy "In Memory of W. B. Yeats", with its resonant line that "poetry makes nothing happen". Yeats had died only three days after Auden's arrival in the United States, and Mendelson fascinatingly traces the evolution of Auden's elegy and the way it affected Auden's own edgy poetic aspirations. As the volume continues the ups and downs of Auden's relationships--most notably with Chester Kallman, but also with his own gift--are explored through the poems and vice versa. Auden was intellectually and poetically restless; he employed any verse form he could lay his hands on, invented others and experimented substantially; he had strong but shifting political convictions and also converted to an unpious and undogmatic Christianity. His work ranges from the obscure and philosophically prosaic to the resounding lyrics that have become deservedly famous (not least "Stop all the Clocks", immortalised by actor John Hannah in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral). Many of our younger contemporary poets owe some debt to Auden; Mendelson's patient, informed history of the writing and--by extension--of the man is a welcome and accessible addition to exisiting scholarship and should please admirers of arguably the most influential English poet of the century. --Robert Potts
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
£ 3.18
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0374184089
Book Description Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition 1.92. Seller Inventory # bk0374184089xvz189zvxnew
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 1.92. Seller Inventory # 353-0374184089-new
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Brand New Copy. Seller Inventory # BBB_new0374184089
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # Abebooks57832
Book Description Condition: New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 1.91. Seller Inventory # Q-0374184089