Robert Frost Himself

by Stanley Burnshaw

Through memoir, biography, literary history and critical study, Burnshaw presents new information about Frost that defuses the "monster myth" created by Frost's official biographer. "The book has an important to rescue Frost from the negative image that has lingered like a dark storm cloud since Lawrence Thompson's three-volume biography. Frost told Burnshaw, his long-time friend and sometimes editor, 'I'm counting on you to protect me from Larry,' and Burnshaw's mix of biography and criticism here fulfills Frost's hope. The final two chapters in particular argue for the humane and generous Frost, in contrast to the maniacal monster of Thompson's account, and for the poet genius whose work makes him one of the giants of modern poetry. Important as a turn in scholarly debate, this book is also sure to engage a variety of general readers."― Library Journal

358 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1986