Emily Dickinson, "Virgin Recluse" and Rebel: 36 Poems, Their Backstories, Her Life

Emily Dickinson is one of those most celebrated figures in American poetry. Here, college professor Newman compiles 36 poems that she finds representative of Dickinson's canon and reflective of her life. The author pairs these poems with scholarship and biographical information to give readers a fuller picture of the poet's life and work. Topics range from Dickinson's relationship with God to her obsession with mortality and gradual isolation%E2%80%94all of them framed by her evocative words. Those who haven't read Dickinson's poetry will likely find this an interesting entry point, but readers already familiar with her work will absolutely delight in this volume. Newman is an informed guide and offers readers a chance to understand the woman behind the poems.