Words in air : the complete correspondence between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell / edited by Thomas Travisano, with Saskia Hamilton

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Letter writing has a longstanding, highly regarded reputation for personal revelation, as exemplified by this collection of the vivid, spirited, spontaneous letters of poets Elizabeth Bishop (1911-79) and Robert Lowell (1917-77). Their letters over three decades explore both their outer public and their private inner lives. Yet neither strives to create literary expression in the letters; instead, readers clearly see the give and take of real friendship. Authenticity is ever present-and is especially pointed when either poet is making an observation on the poetry of the other. Their connection-in spite of disappointments, differences, and bouts of depression-was never in jeopardy. In one letter, Bishop comments that Lowell sounds lively as a cricket. The reading world should offer up a chorus of lively cricket sounds, a singing of hosannas for the poetry of Bishop and Lowell that benefited immensely from their shared life through letters-and also for the letters alone. They remain fresh and memorable after 30 years of enduring wit and wisdom.