
Title

A Reader's Guide to Gerard Manley Hopkins,New
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
Norman MacKenzie accurately described the writings of the poet Hopkins in topographic terms as 'Hopkins Country.' This concept has profound implications for anyone who is trying to understand the poems which present every reader with challenges of reference to local and international events, autobiography, religious belief, trades, agriculture, philosophy, theology, aesthetics, culturethe actual list is much longer. Add to this the matter of how the poems sound: meter, rhythm, AngloSaxon alliteration and primordial diction, tempo, dynamics. This Hopkins Country is rich and varied. To make one's way through it one needs a guide. MacKenzie is that guide, almost as Vergil was Dante's guide through three levels of another country (and Dante made it up!).The best guide in any country is a wellworn footsoldier who has weathered and worked the terrain, not a temp like the rest of us who parachute in, or hover above a lovely spot or bird in flight and pontificate on this or that view or inscape, and then like a hummingbird or bee, fly off to another country. Reading Hopkins is work, as MacKenzie reported of his encounter in 1945 with the poet: 'Hopkins was invitingly difficult, obviously worth exploring.' At that point MacKenzie started an apprenticeship on the ground, in the field, that imperceptibly changed to lifetime mastery. For 57 years Norman MacKenzie was the senior tenant of that country. Paradoxically, he lived longer with Hopkins than Hopkins lived with himself. Hopkins died before he was 45. And when in 2004, just short of reaching the age of 89, MacKenzie died, he was bringing his precious Reader's Guide into the new century. His daughter, Catherine Phillips, as worthy a Hopkins scholar and editor as she is a daughter, with filial discretion has completed the revision, leaving most of the text as it wasmost of us felt it could have been reprinted as it wasbut taking note of scholarship and editing that have happened since 1981. The voice is still unmistakably that of Norman MacKenzie.What makes MacKenzie's book different? Precisely that lifetime of familiarity with the Country that the rest of us really just plan on visiting. For the armchair traveler, a map and descriptions of anywhere are likely to be enough. But not for an explorer. To try to read Hopkins the way one reads a map is to distort the Hopkins Country, like the world, to flatness. The true world is configured in infinitely varied ways. So too the Hopkins Country. Norman MacKenzie put it this way in the Preface to the 1981 edition: to the reader 'on foot, healthily determined to follow the poet's trail, [existing specialized studies] seldom supply the milebymile direction he needs. It is for him that A Reader's Guide to Gerard Manley Hopkins is intended, designed . . . to accompany the author through the poems in more or less chronological sequence. The territory, too rugged for the taste of his own contemporaries, is on that account all the more inviting to us today.'Generations of students and instructors have treasured their rare copies of the 1981 edition, as they were unable to share the compendium of that Country as a gift to friends. Small as the book seems (277 pages), it is an encyclopedia of knowledge. There is a brief chronology of the life and interests of Hopkins, followed by 230 pages of guidance through the poems in the form of facts about the composition, manuscript variations, interpretations, paraphrases, and critical disagreements. A recently discovered playful poem is printed with commentary.
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Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is 'A Reader's Guide to Gerard Manley Hopkins' about? A: 'A Reader's Guide to Gerard Manley Hopkins' by Norman MacKenzie offers an in-depth exploration of the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, providing readers with essential insights into his themes, poetic techniques, and the cultural context of his work.
- Q: Who is the author of this guide? A: The guide is authored by Norman MacKenzie, a well-respected scholar of Gerard Manley Hopkins, who dedicated over 57 years to studying his poetry.
- Q: What can I expect to find in this book? A: The book includes a brief chronology of Hopkins' life, 230 pages of guidance through his poems, commentary on manuscript variations, critical interpretations, and a reference section on poetic terms.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners? A: Yes, 'A Reader's Guide to Gerard Manley Hopkins' is suitable for both beginners and experienced readers, as it provides detailed explanations and interpretations that can enhance understanding of Hopkins' complex poetry.
- Q: What is the condition of the used book? A: The book is classified as 'Used Book in Good Condition,' indicating that it has been previously owned but remains in a state that is suitable for reading.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains a total of 256 pages, providing ample content for readers interested in exploring Hopkins' poetry.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of 'A Reader's Guide to Gerard Manley Hopkins' is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and portable.
- Q: When was this guide published? A: The guide was published on January 1, 1981, and has been a valuable resource for students and scholars of Hopkins' work since then.
- Q: Does the book include any additional resources? A: Yes, the book includes a select bibliography and a full index, which can help readers further their research and understanding of Hopkins' poetry.
- Q: Is this book still relevant for today's readers? A: Absolutely. The insights and analyses provided in 'A Reader's Guide to Gerard Manley Hopkins' remain relevant, as they continue to help readers navigate the complexities of Hopkins' poetry in a modern context.