Robert Frost Himself
by Stanley Burnshaw.

September 17, 1989
Paperback, 358 pages
9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches

ISBN-13: 978-0807612347
$12.95

Through memoir, biography, literary history and critical study, Burnshaw presents new information about Frost that defuses the "monster myth" created by Frost's official biographer.

This work, the first to present much important material that has never been published—documents, statements, letters, notes—will significantly deepen our understanding of one of the most important literary figures of our time. In Robert Frost Himself, drawing on this material and a lifelong reading of the poetry, Burnshaw presents Frost in his multifacet complexity.

"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

Stanley Burnshaw was an influential American poet, primarily known for his ontology, The Seamless Web. His work included plays, novels, publishing, printing, and translations from many languages in a wide field of literary activity over seven decades.