Poems of Francis Thompson

By: Bridget Boardman

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Synopsis: During the research for her biography of Francis Thompson, Between Heaven and Charing Cross it became clear to Brigid Boardman that a new edition of his poetry was essential for a full recognition of the range and variety of his work. He remains best known for his great poem The Hound of Heaven but his work as a whole has never been properly presented. All previous editions include the many alterations and deletions that were made to Thompson's work posthumously by Wilfrid Meynell for the edition of 1913. Meynell's aim was to present the poetry in a strictly orthodox Catholic light in a period when fears about Modernism influenced the Church's understanding of literature. These anxieties have not served the poetry well. Thompson's aim was 'to be the poet of the return to God' and his work expresses the divine presence that he believed permeated all aspects of life. This edition finally restores an important English poet to the readers that he so deserves.