Poet and Critic: The Letters of Ted Hughes and Keith Sagar

Abstract

The correspondence between the English poet Ted Hughes and the literary critic Keith Sagar began in 1969 and lasted until Hughes's death in 1998. During that time Hughes wrote 146 letters to Sagar, which show a unique dialogue between a writer and a critic. In the letters Hughes describes his creative process candidly and in great depth, offering exceptional insight into the poet at work. Their relationship, however, extended to many areas beyond literature, and the letters also cover such topics as Hughes's travels, hunting, religion, education and his relationship with Sylvia Plath. Never published before in their entirety, this collection provides a significant new perspective on Hughes's life and work.