Trenchant prose writings on poetry, poets, and cultural matters by one of the most important essayists of his generation. Edited with an Introduction by Robert Phillips. A lively and slashing critic...reading him one feels windows opening, clouds passing, sunlight, and a fresh breeze entering the room. —Joseph Epstein

"His essays—the most characteristic ones can be found in [this] useful new volume..." - New Republic

"Recommended for larger academic collections, especially those that do not own the original collections." - Library Journal

"Shapiro's words offer a provacative assessment of writers now enshrined in the university canon. Shapiro's well-cut prose sparkles on the page and his vigorous opinions make these literary essays exceptionally entertaining." - Publishers Weekly

"A most welcomed tribute." - The Dallas Morning News

"The essays are always readable, full of funny asides, and can even make prosody interesting." - Times Literary Supplement