My toughest mentor
Subtitle: Theodore Roethke and William Carlos Williams (1940-1948)
By: Robert Kusch.
Publisher: Bucknell University Press
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Lewisburg, [Pa.]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 96
Subjects: Roethke, Theodore, 1908-1963 -- Criticism and interpretation.; Williams, William Carlos, 1883-1963 -- Friends and associates.; Roethke, Theodore, 1908-1963 -- Friends and associates.; Williams, William Carlos, 1883-1963 -- Correspondence.; Williams, William Carlos, 1883-1963 -- Influence.; Roethke, Theodore, 1908-1963 -- Correspondence.; Poets, American -- 20th century -- Correspondence.; Poetics -- History -- 20th century.
Description: At a time when Theodore Roethke was finding his poetic voice, he called William Carlos Williams "my toughest mentor." This study examines the discussion about poetry that lives in their correspondence and the poems they sent to each other between 1940-48. From special collections at Yale University and the University of Washington, Robert Kusch has arranged the letters in sequence, and he approaches them both as cultural critic and reader-respondent.

Overall, he argues that Williams issued a series of challenges to Roethke, and these challenges changed the direction and scope of Roethke's art. The book has pointed, unconventional advice for teachers of creative writing and for those who are learning the art.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-93) and index.