Robert Frost Himself

The book has an important purpose: to rescue Frost from the negative image that has lingered like a dark storm cloud since Lawrence Thompson’s three-volume biography. Frost told Burnshaw, his long-time friend and sometimes editor, ‘I’m counting on you to protect me from Larry, ’ and Burnshaw’s mix of biography and criticism here fulfills Frost’s hope. The final two chapters in particular argue for the humane and generous Frost, in contrast to the maniacal monster of Thompson’s account, and for the poet genius whose work makes him one of the giants of modern poetry. Important as a turn in scholarly debate, this book is also sure to engage a variety of general readers.–Library Journal