Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell

Words in Air presents the complete collection of letters exchanged between poets Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell over their 30-year friendship from 1947 to 1977. The compilation includes over 450 letters, many previously unpublished, along with photographs and editorial notes providing historical context. Editor Thomas Travisano has arranged the correspondence chronologically, preserving the natural flow of their exchanges about poetry, travel, relationships, and daily life. The letters trace both writers' literary careers from their early development through their major works and achievements. The compilation captures the evolution of a profound literary friendship between two of the 20th century's most significant American poets. Their exchanges reveal the intersection of their personal and creative lives while documenting key moments in American literary history. Through these intimate letters, broader themes emerge about the nature of artistic influence, the relationship between life and art, and the unique challenges faced by writers in mid-century America. The correspondence illuminates how each poet's work was shaped by their ongoing dialogue and mutual support.

Readers appreciate the intimate glimpse into the 30-year friendship between these two poets through their letters. Many note the value in seeing their writing processes, personal struggles, and mutual support for each other's work. Liked: - Detailed footnotes provide context for literary references - Shows evolution of both poets' major works - Captures their humor and personalities - Includes photographs Disliked: - Length (800+ pages) feels excessive to some - Early letters less engaging than later correspondence - Some found the footnotes interrupt reading flow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (21 ratings) Several reviewers mentioned the book offers an education in mid-century American poetry. One reader called it "better than any biography" for understanding these poets. A few noted the letters become more compelling after 1957 when Bishop moves to Brazil. Multiple reviews praised the editing and organization by Travisano.

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🖋️ The letters between Bishop and Lowell span three decades (1947-1977), documenting one of the most significant literary friendships of the 20th century. 📬 Though Bishop and Lowell only met in person about two dozen times throughout their lives, they exchanged over 450 letters, discussing everything from poetry drafts to personal crises. 📚 Lowell's infamous use of his ex-wife Elizabeth Hardwick's letters in his poetry collection "The Dolphin" caused a rift between him and Bishop, who strongly criticized him for publishing private correspondence without permission. 🏆 Both poets won Pulitzer Prizes during their correspondence - Bishop for "North & South" (1956) and Lowell for "Lord Weary's Castle" (1947) and "The Dolphin" (1974). 🗝️ The book reveals that Bishop served as a crucial voice of reason during Lowell's manic episodes, often providing feedback on his work when his judgment was impaired by mental illness.