My Emily Dickinson

My Emily Dickinson by Susan Howe, published by New Directions Publishing in 2007, is a reissue of the original work that spans 144 pages. This book explores the intricate relationship between Emily Dickinson’s poetry and her extensive reading, drawing on the insights of notable poet-scholars such as Charles Olson, H.D., and William Carlos Williams. Howe examines how previous scholarship has often overlooked the depth of Dickinson’s intellectual engagement, particularly in her poem “My Life had stood–a Loaded Gun.”

In this edition, readers will find a detailed analysis that connects Dickinson’s work to a variety of literary influences, including the writings of Dickens, Browning, and Shakespeare, as well as local histories and cultural narratives from her time. Howe’s approach highlights the complexity of Dickinson’s language and the ways in which she reinterpreted texts, making this work a significant contribution to the fields of literary criticism and poetry. The book presents a thoughtful examination of how Dickinson’s life and environment shaped her literary output, inviting readers to reconsider her place in the literary canon.