The Letters of Thom Gunn - (Hardcover)

The Letters of Thom Gunn is a comprehensive collection of personal correspondence from one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century.

Edited by esteemed literary scholars August Kleinzahler, Michael Nott, and Clive Wilmer, this book offers an intimate glimpse into the life and work of Thom Gunn, revealing his creative process, interpersonal relationships, and daily life with unparalleled depth. With over 500 letters spanning five decades, The Letters of Thom Gunn provides a rich tapestry of Gunn's thoughts on poetry, friendship, love, and the world around him.

From his struggles to come to terms with his mother's suicide to his complex relationship with England, these letters offer a nuanced understanding of the artist and the man. The book also sheds light on Gunn's changing relationship with his life partner, Mike Kitay, and the LSD trips that inspired his celebrated collection Moly (1971).

Additionally, it explores the deaths of friends from AIDS that inspired the powerful, unsparing elegies of The Man with Night Sweats (1992). Throughout the letters, Gunn's wit, humor, and literary style are on full display, making this collection a must-read for fans of his poetry and literature enthusiasts alike.

With its meticulous editing, introduction, and annotations by esteemed literary scholars, The Letters of Thom Gunn is a comprehensive and engaging portrait of one of the most singular and compelling poets of the past half-century.