Dickinson's Misery

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Virginia Jackson explores the complexities of recognizing and defining Emily Dickinson's poetry, emphasizing how her largely unpublished work shaped perceptions of her writing. The book examines the editorial choices and cultural practices that influenced the presentation of Dickinson's verses, which were often found in unconventional formats like letters and personal notes. By questioning our reading habits and the criteria for identifying poetry, Jackson invites readers to reconsider the legacy of Dickinson's work and the role of editors in shaping literary history.