Ian Hamilton was a prominent English poet, critic, and biographer whose influence as an editor and literary commentator left a lasting mark on the twentieth-century literary landscape. Known for his uncompromising standards and incisive criticism, Hamilton founded and edited influential literary journals such as The Review and The New Review, and served as an editor for the Times Literary Supplement. His poetry, characterized by a minimalist style, conveys powerful emotions with restrained lyricism, as seen in collections like The Visit and Sixty Poems, praised for their intense brevity and emotional depth, as observed in Strictly Personal.

Hamilton's biographies of literary figures such as Robert Lowell and Matthew Arnold have been lauded for their depth of research and insight, though occasionally criticized for sensationalism, as noted in reviews by A Doubtful Head for Heights and Review of A Gift Imprisoned. His In Search of J. D. Salinger notably stirred controversy, resulting in heated debates over biography and intellectual property, themes further explored in his Keepers of the Flame and discussed in Revealers and Concealers.

As an editor, Hamilton was revered for his sharp, often harsh critiques of established literary figures and his championing of contemporary poets, as highlighted by Against the Tide. His work Against Oblivion reflects his belief in the enduring power of poetry and his dedication to elevating deserving voices. Despite mixed reviews of some works, such as Writers in Hollywood and The Oxford Companion to Twentieth Century Poetry in English, Hamilton's legacy as an incisive critic and editor remains significant, with his contributions celebrated for both their depth and rigor, as affirmed by Ian Hamilton 1939-2001.