Edwin Arlington Robinson: A Poet's Life
A thoroughgoing biography that will likely become a touchstone for anyone interested in the poet's work and life. Recommended.(Pam KingsburyLibrary Journal)A richly documented book that eclipses earlier biographies.(Bruce AllenDown East: The Magazine of Maine)[A] sterling biography.(David YezziWall Street Journal)[A] readable and well-researched book.(Rebecca PorteMinneapolis Star Tribune)Unquestionably, Robinson's life and poetry are worthy of celebration.A Poet's Lifeoffers the reader a chance to participate in that celebration.(John ShulsonVirginia Gazette)Mr. Donaldson's close readings of the poems are masterful and edifying.(Ernest HilbertThe New York Sun)[Donaldson's] thorough documentation and responsiveness to Robinson's poetry displaces previous accounts of this fascinating, enigmatic character.(William H. PritchardTimes Literary Supplement)A smoothly readable, profoundly well-documented biography.(X. J. KennedyThe New Criterion)Scott Donaldson has been able to give us a superb accounting of the life of a major 20th century poet.(Hannah MerkerMaine Sunday Telegram)Donaldson's words, like his subjects, are always heartfelt.(Republic)If [Robinson's] reputation is ever to revive, and it should, the credit ought to go to Scott Donaldson and his biography.(Charles SimicNew York Review of Books)