Reviews for Emily Dickinson Handbook

The average rating for Emily Dickinson Handbook based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-05-09 00:00:00 Matthew Drummond Having studied Dickinson for so many years and written about her and her poetry, I'm inclined to be rather skeptical of the merits of any book that claims to be a "handbook" or a definitive authority on her bio and poems. She has so often been hijacked and exploited--and misrepresented-- by fanatics of one kind or another, persons bent on riding her like a trick pony for their own purposes or agendas. This, however, was a wonderful surprise and I can't recommend it too highly for anyone who wants a one volume Dickinson reference. The scholarship is sound and up to date; the book is very accessible and a delight to read. It can only enhance one's appreciation and enjoyment of the poems and de-mystifies/sets the record straight in so many key areas related to this major American poet. Her life and her family history are literally the stuff operas, including soap operas, are made of and have enough human interest and "juicy" stuff to mesmerize even those who are allergic to poetry. It's a great introduction to Dickinson as well as a pleasure to read for those who've already spent some time on her work.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-04-17 00:00:00 David Ficocelli This book is based on the documentary film of the same name, directed by Ken Burns. It's a great overview of Samuel Clemens's life. It does a good job describing his life, but I've always believed you can learn more about a person by reading his or her own works than by reading descriptions provided by others and filtered through their own biases. I am looking forward reading more of Clemens's original works. In some ways he was a man born before his time, in other ways he would not have fit in with later generations. This allowed him to speak his mind and sometimes very bluntly without getting himself into trouble; in fact it seemed to endear him more to his admiring public. He was outspoken about the abolition of slavery, the emancipation of women, and that the United States had no business establishing itself as an empire and sticking its nose in other countries' business, especially when it brought more power to the federal government, lined the pockets of greedy politicians and business men, an created deep undercurrents to be taken advantage of by overreaching expansionists and religious fanatics. "I am anti-imperialist. I am opposed to having the eagle put its talons on any other land," he said. "This nation is like all the others that have been spewed upon the earth'ready to shout for any cause that will tickle its vanity or fill its pocket. What a hell of a heaven it will be, when they get all these hypocrites assembled there!"