A poet himself, Greenway points out in his introduction that Thomas (1914-1953) is known for his difficulty and his sonority and that his poetic diction has long been 'a source of critical debate.' Throughout this analysis/appreciation of Thomas's work, Greenway focuses on the tension between the simplicity of his vocabulary and the 'difficulty' of his poetry. Taking a human approach to Thomas's life, personality, and technique--with full recognition of the mountain of critical attention on Thomas's modest poetic output--Greenway demonstrates how knowing Thomas's life story helps one understand the diction of his poetry. Against the charge of eccentricity, the author discusses Thomas's unusual perspectives and his use of irony, paradox, and other linguistic forms. Thomas's unique concern with sound prompts Greenway to closely study Thomas's vocabulary and syntax, demonstrating how the poetry imitates the natural world. He also examines Thomas's poetic diction in conjunction with Welsh culture and language. Greenway clearly agrees with Robert Lowell, who wrote that 'nothing could be more wrongheaded, than the English disputes about Dylan Thomas's greatness.He is a dazzling obscure writer who can be enjoyed without understanding.

'.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.omas's poetic diction in conjunction with Welsh culture and language. Greenway clearly agrees with Robert Lowell, who wrote that 'nothing could be more wrongheaded, than the English disputes about Dylan Thomas's greatness.He is a dazzling obscure writer who can be enjoyed without understanding.'.Summing Up: Highly recommended.

Upper-division undergraduates and above.omas's poetic diction in conjunction with Welsh culture and language. Greenway clearly agrees with Robert Lowell, who wrote that 'nothing could be more wrongheaded, than the English disputes about Dylan Thomas's greatness.He is a dazzling obscure writer who can be enjoyed without understanding.'.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.omas's poetic diction in conjunction with Welsh culture and language.

Greenway clearly agrees with Robert Lowell, who wrote that 'nothing could be more wrongheaded, than the English disputes about Dylan Thomas's greatness.He is a dazzling obscure writer who can be enjoyed without understanding.'.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.