Louis MacNeice: The Poet in his Contexts

by Peter McDonald

Since his death in 1963, Louis MacNeice's critical standing has risen steadily. This new study addresses the contexts of his writing that are of greatest relevance to his place in modern his problematic relation to Ireland and his place in the largely English "thirties generation" with which he is often identified. The influence of these aspects on MacNeice's poetic development is studied in detail, addressing his relation to Yeats and Modernism and his conception of parable as a key imaginative response to these influences. Included also is the first study of the poet's revealing and little-known early writings. Arguing that MacNeice is a central figure in modern Irish and British poetry, this work sheds new light on the poems.

252 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Andie Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out as a seminal work on MacNeice, offering a comprehensive examination of the poet's work within various contexts and delving into diverse critical perspectives with exceptional insight and depth. Its nuanced analysis of themes such as displacement, poetic identity, and self-reflection provides invaluable contributions to the understanding of MacNeice's oeuvre. The meticulous scholarship displayed in this book not only enhances its utility but also underscores the complexity and challenges inherent in such comprehensive literary explorations. Particularly commendable is the author's adept handling of contrasting critical viewpoints, illuminating the richness and complexity of MacNeice's poetry. For scholars engaged in doctoral research on MacNeice or related topics, this book serves as an indispensable resource, offering a wealth of original insights and critical frameworks to enrich their studies. The author's skillful navigation of intricate themes and the profound implications of MacNeice's work elevates this text to a must-read for academics and enthusiasts alike.