Author Description

Edward Thomas (1878-1917) Is A Renowned Poet. Until Recently, His Prose Writing Has, By Comparison, Been Neglected And This Study Contributes To Its Current Revaluation. It Is The First To Consider Thomas's Prose Independently Of The Poetry It Preceded. All Of The Prose Writing Is Discussed: The Nature Writing, Literary Criticism, Fiction, Autobiography, And, For The First Time, The Whole Range Of His Reviews. From This Chronological Study, A New Account Of Thomas's Development Emerges, One In Which The Continuity Of His Critical Perspective Becomes Apparent; His Celtic Loyalties, Their Nature And Their Depth, Are Revealed; Both The Complexity And The Conviction Of His Politics Are Brought To Light, And His Alertness To Innovative Writing Becomes Plain, Alongside His Own Originality And Daring As A Writer. The Study Shows, Furthermore, How Powerfully Thomas's Work Speaks In The Contemporary Moment Of Environmental And Climate Breakdown. His Prose Writing Explores And Articulates A Relationship Of Absolute Interdependence Between Human Beings And The Natural World. Its Originality And Significance Arise From His Addressing The Problematic Reality That Interdependence - This Truth Of Humanity's Place In Natural World - Is Perceptible To Western Eyes Only As Mystery.