This study explores lyric poetry's response to a crisis of relevance in Victorian Modernity, offering an analysis of literature usually elided by studies of the modern formation of the genre and uncovering previously unrecognized discourses within it.
The book explores the unique poetic identity of 'Michael Field,' the pseudonym for Katharine Bradley and Edith Cooper, who crafted a distinct aesthetic persona as both lovers and collaborators. Marion Thain examines how their life and art reflect and engage with late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century aesthetic debates, particularly through the lenses of time and history. This study not only sheds light on their contributions to poetry and aestheticism but also offers broader insights into Victorian and modernist literature, making it essential for scholars in these fields.
The narrative explores the evolution of a captivating poetic persona crafted by two female authors, delving into their collaborative process and the themes that emerge from their combined voices. Through an analysis of their individual influences and the interplay between their styles, the book unveils the complexities of identity and creativity in poetry.