The Writer's Voice

New
Paperback
2006
$6.79

What makes good writing good? In his brilliant new book, Al Alvarez argues that it is the development of the voice - voice as distinct from style - that makes a writer great. A poet as well as a critic, Al Alvarez approaches his subject both as an informed observer and an insider. Here are - among others - Sylvia Plath, John Donne, Jean Rhys, Shakespeare, T. S. Eliot, Coleridge and W. B. Yeats, dissected with clarity, depth and a profound understanding of the mechanics of writing. Like the best literary criticism, The Writer's Voice makes writing come vividly alive. Written with passion and insight, it is the ideal gift for anyone who loves to read.

Synopsis

What makes good writing good? In his brilliant new book, Al Alvarez argues that it is the development of the voice - voice as distinct from style - that makes a writer great. A poet as well as a critic, Al Alvarez approaches his subject both as an informed observer and an insider. Here are - among others - Sylvia Plath, John Donne, Jean Rhys, Shakespeare, T. S. Eliot, Coleridge and W. B. Yeats, dissected with clarity, depth and a profound understanding of the mechanics of writing. Like the best literary criticism, The Writer's Voice makes writing come vividly alive. Written with passion and insight, it is the ideal gift for anyone who loves to read.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 128
Edition: New
Publisher: Bloomsbury Paperbacks
Published: 17 Apr 2006
ISBN 10: 0747579318
ISBN 13: 9780747579311
Book Overview: Classic, popular literary criticism - for readers of Frank Kermode, John Sutherland, James Wood, and James Fenton The perfect book for any reader, student and reading group Massive hardback review coverage

Media Reviews

'Eloquent essays, rich in anecdote, from the hand of a true and lifelong servant of poetry' J.M. Coetzee 'An impressive performance by a poet who allows nothing to come between him and the literature he loves. His book should not be neglected by anybody with a serious interest in modern literature and literary criticism' Frank Kermode 'If you want a reminder of what writing is really about, you have only to turn to an elegant little book of essays' Robert McCrum, Observer 'Is there a more charming literary companion than Al Alvarez? To read this book is to feel the shutters of the mind being slowly jemmied apart, an agonising delight ... This is a beautifully presented volume, and a rarity among works of criticism in that it is likely to change your behaviour. Any sane reader will give up buying books for a few months and scamper back, shame-faced but full of excitement, to the riches of his dusty shelves' Spectator

Author Bio

Al Alvarez is a poet, novelist, literary critic, anthologist, and author of many highly praised non-fiction books on topics ranging from suicide, divorce, and dreams - The Savage God, Life After Marriage, Night - to poker, North Sea oil, and mountaineering - The Biggest Game in Town, Offshore, Feeding the Rat. His most recent books are New and Selected Poems and an autobiography, Where Did It All Go Right? He lives in London.