Thomas Stearns Eliot: Poet

A. David Moody’s Thomas Stearns Eliot: Poet was published to acclaim in 1979, with a successful paperback following in 1980. This carefully revised and corrected second edition, with a specially written preface and a new appendix, meets the demand for one of the classic studies of the twentieth century’s best-known poet.

• Many instructors indicate that they find Moody’s work particularly useful in lecture preparations

Preface to second edition; Introduction; 1. The growth of the poet’s mind; Part I. 1905 –1912 - An Individual Talent: 2. Prufrock observed; Part II. 1912–1922 -‘Shall I at Least Set My Lands in Order?’: 3. ‘Gerontion’, and the historical sense; 4. Tiresias transformed; Part III. 1922–1930 - ‘Ordina Quest’ Amore, O Tu Che M’ami’: 5. The poet saved from himself; 6. Love through the looking-glass; Part IV. 1931–1939 -The Word In the Desert: 7. The design of the drama; 8. Dust in sunlight; Part V. 1939–1945 - Apocalypse: 9. Patriot of fire; 10. The poet observed; Appendices; Notes; Index.

‘Moody’s book seems to me the best, the most far-reaching, the most perceptive, book on Eliot. I know no other which is as helpfully devoted to Eliot, devoted, not devout.’ Denis Donoghue, The Times Literary Supplement

‘An important and original study, which admirably generates fresh thought about Eliot.’ Bernard Bergonzi, Journal of American Studies

‘Deeply studied and sensitive … this study reflects, and compels on the reader, great admiration and respect for the master’. W. W. Robson in The Sewanee Review

‘The most enlightening, most profound and, in some ways, most disturbing book about T. S. Eliot that I have yet read.’ Norman Nicholson, Church Times