cover image Stop Calling Me Mr. Darling!

Stop Calling Me Mr. Darling!

Carol Burdick. Paul S Eriksson, $15.95 (145pp) ISBN 978-0-8397-7897-4

Burdick may be familiar to poetry devotees for the collection that is the subject of this book, Destination Unknown. In her 40s, she initiated a correspondence with the late Edward Darling, editor of Beacon Press, who responded generously to her request on where to send her ``verses that arise from a sort of suburban conscience.'' The letters between the aspiring poet and mentor continued over the years (dates are not given here) and cemented a friendship that was deep, unquestionably, although the two never met. Darling encouraged, chivvied and criticized submissions from Burdick who answered her perceptive editor with thanks, rebellions and temper. As a result, Beacon Press published the poetry collection, parts of which are quoted in this engagingly instructive volume. (Dec.)