The Letters of Thom Gunn

Poets Kleinzahler and Wilmer join up with scholar Nott for this beautifully selected collection of letters by poet Thom Gunn (1929–2004). The first presentation of “Gunn’s private words for public consideration,” it’s filled with powerful takes on his creative process, interpersonal relationships, and day-to-day life. Gunn often wrote about his garden (“I have all sorts of herbs.... It is amazing how much better some are when fresh”); his poetic craft and workshopping of pieces; and the experience of being a gay man in the second half of the 20th century as he navigates sexual adventures and the AIDS epidemic. The poet comes across as principled and funny: a movie lover his whole life, he memorably notes that Pulp Fiction “is a bit as if Henry James were to write a treatment of Titus Andronicus.” He boosts the works of other poets, too, including Gary Snyder (a “careful craftsman”) and August Kleinzahler (“better than anybody on this continent of his age”). The editors’ footnotes are illustrative rather than intrusive, and the robust collection is packed with life and vigor. This should help bring Gunn and his work to a new generation of readers. (May)