The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism by TS Eliot (Vintage 1960 Edition)

“The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism” is a collection of essays by T.S. Eliot, a renowned poet and literary critic of the 20th century. The book was first published in 1920 and includes several essays on topics such as poetry, criticism, tradition, and the relationship between literature and society.

The essays in the book reflect Eliot’s views on the role of the poet and the importance of tradition in literature. In the essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent,” Eliot argues that poetry should be judged not only on its own merits, but also on its relationship to the poetic tradition that precedes it. He also emphasizes the importance of the poet’s ability to “escape” from their own personal emotions and experiences in order to create works of art that speak to universal truths.

Other notable essays in the collection include “Hamlet and his Problems,” in which Eliot offers a unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s play, and “The Function of Criticism,” in which he discusses the role of literary criticism in society.

Overall, “The Sacred Wood” is an important work of literary criticism that continues to be studied and debated by scholars today. Eliot’s insights into the nature of poetry and the role of tradition in literature have had a profound influence on the study of literature and continue to shape our understanding of the art form.