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Rating(4 / 5.0, 29 votes)
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29 reviews
July 15,2025
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What can I say except that this is a super review of the entire corpus of Dickinson's texts and about Dickinson. And I will never again procrastinate on reading an 800-page scientific book in English, expecting that it will miraculously read itself within a week.

I read the last three hundred pages in a day, and now I hate letters.

This experience has taught me that I need to be more disciplined in my reading habits and not set such unrealistic expectations for myself.

It's important to pace myself and enjoy the process of reading, rather than rushing through to get it done.

Despite my current aversion to letters, I know that I will eventually come back to reading and continue to explore the wonderful world of literature.
July 15,2025
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Genius is often accompanied by loneliness. Emily Dickinson, a remarkable poet, didn't experience just a single "love disappointment"; in fact, she had several. Moreover, the world around her proved to be a source of disappointment as it largely failed to understand her and her profound poetry during her own lifetime.

Sewall undertakes a meticulous analysis of her surroundings, her significant relationships, and the cultural forces that influenced her. He is cautious when it comes to reaching a definitive verdict. This is because we possess only a fraction of her total correspondence, and much of that is one-sided. Additionally, her papers were unfortunately destroyed immediately after her death.

This book is an absolute must-read for any serious Dickinson scholar. It is also highly recommended for anyone who has an interest in the epitome of the biographical craft. Sewall's treatment of Dickinson's life and work is simply the most thorough and the most fair that I have ever come across in my reading. His detailed examination provides valuable insights into the mind and world of this extraordinary poet.

July 15,2025
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Carefully researched.

I depended on this book when I was the villain in the film on E.D., "A Loaded Gun," directed for PBS by James Wolpaw (2002).

It may have been surpassed by Alfred Habegger's "My Wars are Laid away in Books."

For one thing, why not use a title from Dickinson, which so many non-Dickinsonians do, like my friend C. Binns Lindsay, "Such a Rare Thing" (for his book on Sherwood Anderson).

But Sewall certainly follows the Ellmann model of exhaustive biographical research.

This book provides a wealth of detailed information about the subject, and it was extremely useful to me during my work on the film.

The research seems to have been thorough, and the author has presented a comprehensive picture of the person or topic in question.

However, as mentioned, there may be other works that have since emerged and perhaps offer a different perspective or more up-to-date insights.

Nevertheless, this book still holds value and is worth considering for anyone interested in the particular area of study.

It serves as a testament to the importance of careful research and the effort that goes into creating a detailed and informative work.

Overall, it has been a valuable resource for me and likely for many others as well.
July 15,2025
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Volumes I & II combined was indeed a lengthy read. However, it was so skillfully written, thoroughly researched, and精心 constructed that I find myself more than willing to go through it all once again. In fact, I probably will, as it serves as an excellent companion piece to the study of Dickinson.

Through this work, Dickinson comes alive as a real person, not just a figure of myth. She emerges as a Poet of great talent and depth, with an intellect that is both sharp and humorous. Her passion for poetry and Life is palpable, and it is this combination of qualities that makes her so fascinating to study.

Overall, I highly recommend this work to anyone interested in Dickinson or American literature in general. It is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike, and I look forward to exploring it further in the future.
July 15,2025
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I recently listened to the audible format that delved into the life of Emily Dickinson.

Accompanied by several readings of her remarkable poems, it was a truly enriching experience.

Despite being a relatively short listen, it managed to pack in a wealth of information, providing a comprehensive and well-rounded view of her life.

I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Emily Dickinson fans are sure to adore it, as it offers new insights and perspectives on their favorite poet.

But it's not just for the die-hard fans; those who have not yet had the pleasure of getting acquainted with her work will also find this audible to be a captivating introduction.

It's a wonderful way to explore the life and poetry of one of America's most iconic literary figures.

So, whether you're a long-time admirer or a newcomer, give this audible a listen and prepare to be charmed.
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