The Letters of T. S. Eliot (Magill Book Reviews)

At a glance:

Although there have been several biographies of T.S. Eliot in recent years, none of them had complete access to this large collection of letters, some of which have become available only in the past ten years. Before he died, Eliot gave his consent to such a collection, which claims to include all of his significant extant correspondence up to the age of thirty-four.

In spite of its seeming sanction by Eliot, his widow admits in her introduction that he burned many personal and family letters. Eliot did not wish a biography of himself written, and there are aspects of his life--especially his first marriage--on which he refused to comment at much length and which still remain a matter for considerable speculation. Yet he also admitted that most letter writers had some hope of their correspondence surviving. Certainly Eliot’s letters are well worth reading for their insights into both the rational and emotional sides of his life and work.

Nearly always correct and polite, Eliot could also be whimsical and amusing. Some letters contain drafts of poems and a few have drawings. Valerie Eliot annotates the letters so that her husband’s references to certain events or circumstances are clear.

Two useful indexes and many photographs taken of Eliot in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood make this volume a comprehensive introduction to his life and career. His letters convey with great immediacy his occupations as poet, editor, and banker as well as his familial and personal obligations.

Sources for Further Study

Booklist. LXXXV, November 15, 1988, p. 532.

Chicago Tribune. September 25, 1988, XIV, p. 1.

The Christian Science Monitor. September 28, 1988, p. 19.

Interview. XVIII, December, 1988, p. 141.

Los Angeles Times. October 6, 1988, V, p. 1.

The Nation. CCXLVII, December 5, 1988, p. 593.

The New Republic. CXCIX, December 12, 1988, p. 28.

The New York Review of Books. XXXV, November 10, 1988, p. 3.

The New York Times Book Review. XCIII, October 16, 1988, p. 1.

The Times Literary Supplement. September 23, 1988, p. 1037.