| Review |
| "Well presented, and within its self-imposed
limits, forceful in its arguments, it is realistic in its approach,
frankly stating that Wordsworth wrote "a vast amount of
worthless poetry" but balancing such strictures by reminding
us that he was "the foremost of English Romantic Poets." |
| "The text is liberally dotted with pointers
to the poems, critical appraisals and references to relevant
books by other commentators. Andrew Keanie's analysis is thematic
rather than chronological or biographical. So, there are sections
on the importance of William Wordsworth's friendship with Coleridge;
the idea of solitude in the poetry; the much-debated relationship
with Dorothy; the significance of the "Preface to Lyrical
Ballads"; and the central thesis of "The Excursion". |
| "Lively and challenging in its presentation,
this guide has plenty of stimulating ideas to encourage further
study. Its purpose is epitomised in Andrew Keanie's bald and
bold statement that his book is an attempt to present Wordsworth
"with all his unscrupulous brilliance, and all his impudent
theocentrism, with the contradictions intact."" |
|
Keswick Reminder, April 2001
|
|
by George Bott
|
|
