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emily dickinson thomas h. johnson

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When the complete Letters of Emily Dickinson appeared in three volumes in 1958, Robert Kirsch welcomed them in the Los Angeles Times , saying “The missives offer access to the mind and heart of one of America’s most intriguing literary personalities.” This one-volume selection is at last available in paperback. It provides crucial texts for the appreciation of American literature, women’s experience in the nineteenth century, and literature in general.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1971

This edition

Format
384 pages, Paperback
Published
March 1, 1986 by Belknap Press
ISBN
9780674250703
ASIN
0674250702
Language
English

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About the author

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emily dickinson

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Emily Dickinson was an American poet who, despite the fact that less than a dozen of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published during her lifetime, is widely considered one of the most original and influential poets of the 19th century.

Dickinson was born to a successful family with strong community ties, she lived a mostly introverted and reclusive life. After she studied at the Amherst Academy for seven years in her youth, she spent a short time at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary before returning to her family's house in Amherst. Thought of as an eccentric by the locals, she became known for her penchant for white clothing and her reluctance to greet guests or, later in life, even leave her room. Most of her friendships were therefore carried out by correspondence.

Although Dickinson was a prolific private poet, fewer than a dozen of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published during her lifetime.The work that was published during her lifetime was usually altered significantly by the publishers to fit the conventional poetic rules of the time. Dickinson's poems are unique for the era in which she wrote; they contain short lines, typically lack titles, and often use slant rhyme as well as unconventional capitalization and punctuation.Many of her poems deal with themes of death and immortality, two recurring topics in letters to her friends.

Although most of her acquaintances were probably aware of Dickinson's writing, it was not until after her death in 1886—when Lavinia, Emily's younger sister, discovered her cache of poems—that the breadth of Dickinson's work became apparent. Her first collection of poetry was published in 1890 by personal acquaintances Thomas Wentworth Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd, both of whom heavily edited the content.

A complete and mostly unaltered collection of her poetry became available for the first time in 1955 when The Poems of Emily Dickinson was published by scholar Thomas H. Johnson. Despite unfavorable reviews and skepticism of her literary prowess during the late 19th and early 20th century, critics now consider Dickinson to be a major American poet.

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 38 votes)
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38 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Amangupta26
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It was not nearly as enjoyable or as illuminating as I had initially hoped. I would venture to say that this is really only for the most hardcore of Dickinson fans. The content mainly revolves around her daily life, family affairs, and the various happenings among her relatives and friends. It is often as cryptic as her poetry, which can make it a bit of a challenge to fully understand. However, despite all of this, for some reason, I do feel a bit closer to her after having read it. There is something about delving into the details of her life, no matter how mundane or mysterious they may be, that gives me a greater sense of connection to this remarkable poet.

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regh2
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Maybe it's because I spent a whole week at a workshop engaging in in-depth discussions about them.

During that time, I delved deep into the essence and significance of these letters.

And now, I truly believe that these letters are unbelievably sweet.

Their sweetness lies in the heartfelt emotions they convey, the gentle words that seem to dance on the page.

They are also incredibly complicated, with hidden meanings and subtleties that require careful examination.

The mystery surrounding them adds an air of allure, making me eager to uncover their secrets.

Moreover, these letters possess a poetic quality that is simply enchanting.

Their language flows like a beautiful melody, captivating my heart and soul.

Overall, these letters have had a profound impact on me, making me want to write tons of letters of my own, expressing my thoughts, feelings, and dreams.

I am eager to embark on this journey of letter writing and see where it takes me.

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decayingwill
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Certainly, access to her books and blooms is more than enough reason for reading these selected letters. However, the insight provided into her poetry, philosophy, and life as an iconoclastic woman of the 19th century is truly astounding. This collection of her letters is not only for scholars of Emily Dickinson but also for any reader who wishes to immerse themselves in the wit and wisdom of one of America's premier poets.


Documenting important familial and scholarly correspondences, Johnson's text offers ample notes about her relationships with Austin and Lavinia Dickinson, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Samuel Bowles, and Otis Lord. Additionally, he provides (for the first time in paperback) the complete text of the "Master" letters – which alone is worth the price of admission.


These letters dispel the myths of Emily as a reclusive poet. Instead, they paint a vivid picture of her as a woman who is reaching out to a world that she seems to know will judge her for her beliefs and desires. The comprehensive portrait evidenced in these letters makes this an excellent collection.

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artist-retired
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I really like Emily Dickinson. Her works are full of unique charm and profound thoughts.

However, at times, I find myself a little bored with her poems, although there are indeed many brilliant passages.

Her writing style is so distinct that it can be both captivating and challenging.

One of her famous quotes is "Con qué sencillez llega al fin lo Insondable" which means "With what simplicity the unfathomable arrives at the end".

This quote reflects her ability to express complex and deep ideas in a concise and straightforward manner.

I encourage everyone to read her poetry and discover the beauty and wisdom hidden within her words.

You will be amazed by her talent and the unique perspective she offers on life and the world.

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maidenstear
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I didn't get what I was looking for. There were lots of letters between ED and her editor.

However, her letters are lovely. They are filled with charm and personality.

It's a pity that we simply won't see correspondence like that anymore. In today's digital age, communication has become so different.

Emails and text messages have replaced the handwritten letter.

There's something special about a letter that is written by hand and sent through the mail.

It shows that the sender took the time and effort to put their thoughts and feelings on paper.

ED's letters are a reminder of a bygone era when communication was more personal and meaningful.

Although we may not be able to experience that same kind of correspondence today, we can still appreciate the beauty and value of it.
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Fro5tyy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A delicious book that is drunk and read with the light.

It is like a magical elixir that transports you to another world as you turn its pages. The words seem to dance on the paper, captivating your mind and soul.

As you hold this book in your hands, you can feel its charm and allure. The soft glow of the light enhances the reading experience, making it even more enchanting.

Whether you are curled up on the sofa or sitting by the window, this book is the perfect companion. It allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the world and immerse yourself in a world of imagination and wonder.

So, pick up this delicious book, turn on the light, and let yourself be carried away by its magic.
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tropidom
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Pa non saír da casa, tiña máis vida social que moitas que coñezo eu. Isso significa que, mesmo estando encerrado en casa, eu tenía más contacto social do que muitas outras pessoas que conheço.

Podía ter conversas interesantes con amigos e familiares a través de videoconferências, compartir fotos e vídeos nas redes sociais e participar en grupos de discusión online.

Além disso, também podía seguir os meus hobbies favoritos, como ler, ouvir música e assistir a filmes, o que me dava muita alegria e satisfação.

Apesar de não poder sair da casa, eu conseguia manter uma vida social ativa e interessante, o que me ajudou a não me sentir sozinho e aborrecido durante esse período.

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xBadxApple
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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After reading "Wars Laid Away", it becomes significantly easier to peruse Emily's letters.

This is because the book reveals more profound insights into her personality and health.

Previously, I had a certain perception of Emily, but now, after delving into this work, I find that she was exceptionally cheeky.

Her letters seem to come alive with a new vitality, as if I can see her mischievous smile and hear her playful tone.

The additional details provided in "Wars Laid Away" give a more complete picture of Emily, making her a more vivid and engaging character.

It's as if a veil has been lifted, and I can now better understand the woman behind the letters.

This newfound understanding not only enhances my enjoyment of reading her letters but also deepens my appreciation for her as an individual.

Overall, "Wars Laid Away" has proven to be a valuable addition to my exploration of Emily's life and correspondence.
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