The Essential Emily Dickinson

I decided to read Dickinson after watching the terrific Apple+ series of the same name. This is a great introduction to the poet—nicely selected. Joyce Carol Oates is NOT a favorite of mine (she’s actually deeply conservative, to the point of being reactionary), but the introductory essay here was written before she turned the corner into her current point of view, and is quite illuminating.

NOTE: Contents are from the edition edited by Thomas H. Johnson (Cira 1951) and not the first three volumes edited by Todd and Higginson in 1890, after her death. This is an important distinction to some, but not to me. Without the publication (and well meaning editing) of those first three volumes, Emily Dickinson may never have been discovered and become the beloved poet she is today.I would imagine it is difficult to try to select poems by universally loved poets that will please the majority of buyers. In my opinion, Joyce Carol Oates did a good job. While not all my personal favorites made the cut, enough did that I don’t regret my purchase.This slim book is perfect for slipping into a purse or backpack for reading when a few unexpected minutes become available away from home. So many of the Dickinson poems are relaxing and calming, the perfect antidote during a stressful day.

Very nice selection. I could not put it down until I finished the first poem on Valentine week.

I enjoyed this little book. I’m new to Emily Dickenson, and this was a good place to start.

I very much enjoyed this book.

Love

Beautiful book, great size for traveling. Can’t wait for my friend to receive it as a gift.

Own the complete works of Emily D. Teach a course -- every wo years -- on modern a poetry.Purchase the "essential ..." as a gift to my 13 and 16 year old nephews as an intro to Emily D.

Good book needed for university

Lovely collection of Emily Dickinson s work