Ted Hughes: The Life of a Poet

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Although Ted Hughes ended his days as England's beloved poet laureate, his life was dogged by tragedy and controversy. He never recovered from the suicide of his wife, Sylvia Plath, for which many have held his adultery responsible. This insightful biography, the first to emerge since his death, explores an altogether more complex situation, throwing new light on his relationship with his lover Assia Wevill, who also later killed herself along with their young daughter. Drawing on archival material and interviews with Hughes's friends and critics, Elaine Feinstein portrays a large-spirited personality intrigued by the occult and the nuclear age, but who was nevertheless a down-to-earth Yorkshire man.

FROM THE CRITICS

Brooke Allen - New York Times

In Ted Hughes: The Life of a Poet, Feinstein clearly admires Hughes's poetry. She does place him firmly within a particular poetic tradition and discusses his work with an appreciation that should revive interest in him, separate and apart from his more famous wife.

London Times

An admirable book....Hard to believe it could be bettered any time soon.

Virginian Pilot

A fascinating read...the story of [Hughes's] romantic escapades...keeps this book rolling.

New York Times Book Review

[The] biography that needed to be written,an attempt to set the record straight and clear the air.

Library Journal