All Things Dickinson: An Encyclopedia of Emily Dickinson's World [2 volumes]

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Description

An exciting new reference work that illuminates the beliefs, customs, events, material culture, and institutions that made up Emily Dickinson's world, giving users a glance at both Dickinson's life and times and the social history of America in the 19th century. While Emily Dickinson is one of the most widely studied American poets, some dimensions of her life and work are largely under-appreciated. This book provides the wider context necessary for a more complete understanding of Dickinson, presenting Dickinson's life and times as well as discussion of her poetry and letters. Prolific author and Dickinson expert Wendy Martin and 59 contributors address the relationship between Emily Dickinson's life and work and the larger world in which she lived. Examination of topics such as the history of Amherst, MA, and the Dickinson family's place in it; and the cultural, financial, political, legal, and religious practices of the day illuminate important dimensions of Dickinson's experiences and world for students, scholars, and general readers of this iconic poet's work.

Reviews

[T]he entries are well written and the connections between Dickinson's writings and the world around her are shown with a particular richness. . . . Overall, a very good overview of Dickinson's life and times. This is suitable for high school and college students and for general readers who are interested in American literature and poetry. * Booklist *
The breadth of coverage in these volumes is outstanding as are some special features. . . . [T]his will make an excellent addition to college and large public library collections. * ARBA *
This two-volume set represents the poet as a point encircled within the greater context of US history, but also represents US history from the perspective of Dickinson and her poetry. . . . With this work, readers will be reminded of the wide world in which Dickinson lived. . . . All Things Dickinson is more a social history than a literary study; as such it enriches readers' knowledge of the poet and of American history. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty. * Choice *
This volume is appropriate for newer scholars, generalists and enthusiasts of Emily Dickinson's life and works. * Reference Reviews *

Author Bio

Wendy Martin is professor of American literature and American studies and the director of the Tufts Poetry Awards Program at Claremont Graduate University (CGU).