On Empson, by Michael Wood

Book of the week: The art of coaxing meaning from literature is the legacy of one great critic, says Robert Eaglestone

Published on
June 8, 2017
Last updated
June 8, 2017
Robert Eaglestone
William Empson, George Woodcock, Mulk Raj Anand, George Orwell, Herbert Read, Edmund Blunden at the BBC
Source: BBC Photo Library / Getty
William Empson (at far right, standing). With him are (left to right, standing) George Woodcock; Indian novelist Mulk Raj Anand; George Orwell and (seated, left to right) the critic Herbert Read and the poet Edmund Blunden

POSTSCRIPT:

Print headline: Many rabbits in a conjurer’s hat

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Reader's comments (2)

#1 Submitted by Jason T on June 10, 2017 - 12:51pm
I found this review very interesting and informative.
#2 Submitted by coarc on April 13, 2024 - 7:40pm
Certainly, something new is being said, because of its openness, not always obvious in Empson, esp. in his poetry. Having been very lucky to know Empson personally over two years, anything about his furtive and agile mind, is precious to me.

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