I often find it challenging to truly understand or feel the essence of Dickinson's poems. As a result, I made an attempt to get to know her better through her letters. This particular edition has been of great assistance to me in this regard.

The foreword preceding each section is truly beneficial. It allows me to base my understanding on the context of that specific period. Emily Dickinson was a sentimental and loving individual. While reading between the lines of her letters, we can uncover a precious gem within her thoughts. Her choice of words is simply beautiful.

It is through her letters that I am able to catch a glimpse of the real Emily Dickinson, beyond the enigma of her poetry. The letters offer a more personal and intimate perspective, helping me to bridge the gap between myself and her works.

This edition has not only enhanced my understanding of Dickinson's life and times but has also deepened my appreciation for her unique literary style. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore her world through her letters and look forward to further discoveries.

I have but one thought, Susie, this afternoon of June, and that is of you. I also have one prayer, only; dear Susie, that is for you. I long for us to walk hand in hand, just as we do in our hearts, and ramble away like children among the woods and fields. We could forget these many years filled with sorrowing cares and each become a child again. Oh, how I wish it were so, Susie. When I look around and find myself alone, I sigh for you once more. It's a little sigh, a vain sigh perhaps, but it still doesn't bring you home.

Wow! Such beautiful letters. The way Emily Dickinson writes with so much passion and honesty is truly amazing! You read and reread, and in each part, you discover something different that captivates you. The letters that I liked the most were those written to Sue. There is so much passion and love there. I love how she was able to describe every detail of what she felt through these letters, which have become obligatory reading for anyone who enjoys reading her works.

It's truly a pity that this is currently the best edition of Dickinson's letters in print.

Undoubtedly, it has to omit a great deal of truly astonishing material. Harvard ought to publish all three volumes of the complete letters in paperback.

I find it hard to believe that it would sell any less than, say, the two volumes of Flaubert's letters, which Harvard does offer in paperback.

In my opinion, the most significant issue with this edition is that it places more emphasis on biography than on the writing itself.

Consequently, it allocates an enormous amount of space to the long letters of Dickinson's childhood, inevitably restricting the number of late letters that could be incorporated.

Those late letters, frequently just a sentence in length, are as rich and complex as Dickinson's poetry.

My three-star rating is a critique of the edition, not of the letters themselves.

Read some letters for Whitman/Dickinson class.

It is truly an interesting experience. The master letters are really cool. They seem to hold a certain charm and elegance that is captivating.

The letters to Sue are magical. They are filled with emotions and expressions that make you feel as if you are peeking into a secret world of love and longing.

On the other hand, the letters to Higginson come across as a bit cocky. There is a sense of self-assurance and confidence in Whitman's words, which can be both endearing and a little off-putting at times.

Overall, reading these letters gives us a unique perspective into the minds and hearts of these great poets. It allows us to understand their relationships, their thoughts, and their creative processes in a more intimate way.

It is like taking a journey back in time and experiencing their lives through their written words.

Emily Dickinson's letters possess an inherent elegance. They are meticulously crafted and written with, in my opinion, just as much thought and care as her poetry.

It is truly enjoyable to read these letters as they offer a glimpse into the everyday life of that era. However, perhaps the most captivating aspect of these letters is the flexibility of the voice used in their composition.

Dependent on the recipient and Dickinson's state of mind, the tone and style of the letters vary significantly. Frequently addressing the ordinary, day-to-day details of life, the letters conceal a vivid and colorful inner life just beneath the surface.

When this inner life is given the opportunity to breathe, it is so brilliant that it temporarily blinds the reader and then restores their vision tenfold.

Read this book slowly, allowing ample time for staring out the window, going for walks, and noticing the details of your world with greater depth and clarity of focus.

This will enable you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and complexity of Emily Dickinson's letters and gain a deeper understanding of her unique perspective on life.

"You are a great poet—and it is a wrong to the day you live in, that you will not sing aloud. When you are what men call dead, you will be sorry you were so stingy."

Helen Hunt Jackson's words to Emily Dickinson in March 1876 hold a profound significance. Jackson recognized Dickinson's remarkable poetic talent and lamented the fact that she chose not to share her work more publicly. It was as if Dickinson was hoarding her genius, and Jackson believed this was a disservice to the present time. The idea that Dickinson might one day regret her stinginess after she passed away is a thought-provoking one. It makes us wonder if Dickinson herself had any inkling of the impact her poetry would have on the world. Perhaps she was simply ahead of her time, or maybe she had personal reasons for keeping her work to herself. Either way, Jackson's words serve as a reminder of the importance of sharing our gifts and talents with the world.

I would have loved to get a letter from her.

Just imagining her words written on the paper, perhaps filled with her thoughts and feelings, would have made my heart race with anticipation.

The idea of receiving something so personal and meaningful from her was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

However, I would have been terrified to set down a response.

The pressure to find the right words, to express my own emotions accurately, would have been overwhelming.

What if I said the wrong thing? What if my response didn't measure up to her expectations?

These thoughts would have swirled in my mind, making it difficult for me to put pen to paper.

Despite my fear, I know that I would have wanted to respond, to continue the connection between us.

But it would have been a challenge, one that I would have had to face with great trepidation.

I find Emily Dickinson truly fascinating. Her works have always intrigued me, and this book serves as an excellent means (apart from her poetry, of course) to gain a deeper understanding of what she was like as a person.

The book delves into the various aspects of her life, from her secluded upbringing to her unique perspective on the world. It explores her relationships, her creative process, and the events that influenced her writing.

By reading this book, I have been able to piece together a more complete picture of Emily Dickinson. I have come to appreciate her individuality, her courage in expressing her thoughts and feelings, and her ability to see the beauty and complexity in the simplest of things.

Overall, this book has been a valuable resource for me in my exploration of Emily Dickinson's life and works. It has deepened my appreciation for her as a poet and as a person, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about this remarkable figure.

The depth of emotion that can be expressed in such a limited number of words is truly remarkable. It is astonishing how much feeling can be conveyed within a concise statement. Each word holds significance and contributes to the overall impact.

A simple phrase or sentence has the potential to touch the hearts and souls of those who read or hear it. It can evoke a range of emotions, from joy and love to sadness and pain.

The power of few words lies in their ability to cut through the clutter and get straight to the core of the matter. They can make a profound statement and leave a lasting impression.

Whether it is a poem, a song lyric, or a heartfelt message, the use of concise language to express deep emotion can be a truly powerful tool. It allows the writer or speaker to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a way that is both impactful and memorable.

So entirely beautiful. So strange.

I am very grateful that she lived. Her presence was like a precious gem in this vast world.

“You mention Immortality.

This is the Flood subject. I was told that the Bank was the safest place for a Finless Mind. I explore but little since my mute Confederate, yet the ‘infinite Beauty’—of which you speak comes too near to seek.

To escape enchantment, one must always flee.”— 194

“You must let me go first, Sue, because I live in the Sea always and know the Road.” – 306

These words seem to carry a mysterious and enchanting charm. They make me wonder about the world that lies beyond our ordinary perception.

Perhaps there is a realm of infinite beauty waiting to be discovered, a place where immortality is not just a concept but a reality.

And yet, as the speaker in the text warns, to escape the allure of enchantment, one must be willing to flee.

It makes me think about the choices we make in life, and how we often have to balance our desire for the beautiful and the unknown with the need to protect ourselves.

Maybe Sue and the narrator are about to embark on a journey that will change their lives forever.

Only time will tell what awaits them in the Sea and on the Road.

But one thing is certain, their story is full of intrigue and mystery, and I can't wait to see where it leads.

A little esoteric, a lot delightful. Sometimes they are as weird as you'd expect. Other times they're as insightful as you'd hope.

And the letters from Dickinson's childhood are truly precious.

We found a hen's nest with four eggs in it. I took out three and brought them in. The next day, I went to see if there had been any laid. However, there had not been any laid, and the one that was there had gone. So, I suppose a skunk had been there, or else a hen in the shape of a skunk. And I don't know which.

This simple yet charming account from Dickinson's childhood gives us a peek into her curious and observant mind. It shows her interest in the natural world and her ability to notice the smallest details. The idea of a hen in the shape of a skunk adds a touch of whimsy and imagination to the story.

These letters are not only a valuable historical record but also a source of entertainment and inspiration. They remind us of the wonder and magic that can be found in the simplest of things.

I liked it so much that I wrote a letter to him.

It was an experience that truly touched my heart. The moment I laid eyes on it, I was immediately drawn in by its charm and allure.

The details, the emotions, everything about it spoke to me on a deep level.

Overwhelmed by my feelings, I decided to express my admiration through a letter.

I carefully crafted each word, pouring my heart and soul into it.

I wanted to let him know just how much it meant to me.

As I sealed the envelope, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement.

I couldn't wait to see his reaction when he received my letter.