cover image The Gospel in Gerard Manley Hopkins: Selections from His Poems, Letters, Journals, and Spiritual Writings

The Gospel in Gerard Manley Hopkins: Selections from His Poems, Letters, Journals, and Spiritual Writings

Edited by Margaret R. Ellsberg. Plough, $18 trade paper (268p) ISBN 978-0-87486-822-7

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889), who became a Jesuit priest after converting to Roman Catholicism at the age of 22, is one of the most frequently reprinted poets in English, but he left behind an oeuvre that’s exceptionally small. In this concise but thorough collection, Ellsberg (Created to Praise) offers accessible yet scholarly introductions to his poems alongside thoughtfully arranged selections from the poet’s other writings, including his sermons. The volume is tastefully illustrated with reproductions of pages from his journal and sketchbooks. Both the commentary and the primary material make clear that Hopkins’s faith was integral to his vision of nature and therefore of his poetic art. His letters and journals provide a look into the religious longings of this intense man, who denied himself the outlet of poetry during the early years of his conversion. These other writings are replete with descriptions of the natural world that employ the unusual perception and expression of a gifted poet. Ellsberg illuminates idiosyncratic expressions and concepts that appear in the prose and inform the poetry. Journal notes on Hopkins’s moods reveals a man who was sometimes deeply unhappy and yet persisted in faith. This is a useful volume for teachers, students, and lovers of poetry, and will also be of interest to writers, those curious about the creative process and imagination, and spiritual pilgrims of many stripes. (Apr.)