Table of Contents

List of Illustrations - Preface - The Origins of Poethood - The First Crisis: Religion - Aesthete in France - Preparing for War - The Second Crisis: Shellshock - Sassoon - New Influences: Georgians and Others - The Pity of War - To Suffer without Sign - 'Strange Meeting' - 'Spring Offensive' - Notes on the Chapters - Appendix A: Biographical Notes - Appendix B: Owen's Manuscripts and their Chronology - Appendix C: The Hydra - Bibliography - Index

Reviews

Drawing on his detailed knowledge of Owen's personal library, letters, and manuscripts, Hibberd traces the development of the poet's imaginative life. The book deals less with Owen the man than with Owen the writer, showing how various biographical and literary influences shaped what Owen called his ``poethood.'' Hibberd gives considerable attention to Owen's juvenilia, which he regards as a foundation for the small body of mature work Owen wrote near the end of his brief life. Since it covers ground not covered in other studies, including Jon Stallworthy's standard biography ( Wilfred Owen , 1975) this book is an important addition for academic subject collections. Michael Hennessy, English Dept., Southwest Texas State Univ., San Marcos