by Norman Friedman Norman Friedman establishes Cummings as a major poet of the 20th century by showing where his modernism lies with regard to the mainstream. He suggests that Cummings at his best provides ways of broadening and deepening our understanding of the concept of modernism. (Re)Valuing Cummings focuses first on Cummings's work as a poet and his place in the modernist movement, with emphasis on his later writings. It then surveys the criticism of his work and the ups and downs of his reputation, from the 1920s until the present; finally, it describes Friedman's personal relationship with Cummings and the impact that it has had upon his own life and career. Friedman is considered by many 20th-century literary scholars to be the dean of E. E. Cummings studies. His critical analyses have helped define Cummings's achievements, place, and standing, his relation to romanticism and modernism, and the nature of his transcendental vision. As a Gestalt therapist, Friedman brings psychological insight to Cummings's creative activity and its problems. Friedman's combination of critical and psychological insight and personal memoir make this an essential study of one of our best-known modern American poets.
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"An unusual approach to E. E. Cummings and his work. . . . Friedman is generally regarded as the most knowledgeable critic of Cummings's work in the world. . . . Well written and free of academic jargon."--Richard S. Kennedy, Temple University |
