Required writing: Miscellaneous pieces 1955-1982

About this book

The reappearance of Philip Larkins Required Writing will be welcomed by the late poets many readers and admirers. The books first two parts "Recollections" and "Interviews " provide autobiographical glimpses of the very private Larkins childhood his youth at Oxford the genesis of his forty-year career as a librarian and the influences that initially steered his poetry. The second half of the book reflects Larkins literary standards and opinions in often witty and surprising always beautifully wrought essays and reviews. His subjects range from Emily Dickinson (were her first lines her best?) to the contemporary mystery novel. Required Writing concludes with a selection of pieces on jazz music. "Larkin is a punctilious honest critic. He prefers good clear writing to pretentious eyewash; he prefers tunes to discordant wailing; and he prefers home to abroad. Unlike the majority of critics he is clear-sighted enough to say so." --A. N. Wilson Sunday Telegraph "I read the collection with growing excitement agreement and admiration. It is the best contemporary account of the writers true aims I have encountered." --John Mortimer Sunday Times (London) "Subtle supple craftily at ease Required Writing is on a par with Larkins poetry--which is just about as high as praise can go." --Clive James Observer Philip Larkin was the author of poetry collections including High Windows The Whitsun Weddings and The Less Deceived; a book of essays entitled All What Jazz: A Record Diary; and two novels Jill and A Girl in Winter published early in his career. Required Reading was originally published by Farrar Straus & Giroux.