
This volume contains more than 150 letters, most previously unpublished, which appeared too late for inclusion in the second edition of The Letters of William and Dorothy Wordsworth (1967-88). They are indispensable for understanding the poet and the inner dynamics of the Wordsworth circle. These letters, varied in tone and subject matter, will do much to dispel the idea that he was invariably a reluctant or reserved correspondent. Dorothy Wordsworth, by contrast, fills out all the details of domestic life which her brother thought it unnecessary to dwell on, and her letters add their own characteristic touches to the picture of the Wordsworth circle--until the final breakdown of her health.
This volume investigates the previously unpublished correspondence of William and Dorothy Wordsworth to provide a more nuanced understanding of their personal lives and the internal dynamics of their social circle. The editors compile over 150 letters that surfaced after the completion of the comprehensive 1967-88 edition, offering a critical supplement to the existing record. By presenting these primary documents, the work challenges historical assumptions regarding William Wordsworth's reluctance as a correspondent while highlighting Dorothy's essential role in documenting the domestic realities of their era.
What You Will Find
Scholars and literary historians view this volume as a vital addition to the definitive collection of the Wordsworths' correspondence. Experts highlight the text as an essential resource for researchers seeking to fill gaps in the biographical record of the Romantic period.
Page Count:
328
Publication Date:
2000-12-07
Publisher:
Clarendon Press
ISBN-10:
0198185235
ISBN-13:
9780198185239
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