Tony Sharpe explores the symbiotic and antagonistic relations between Stevens's literary life and his working life as insurance executive, outlining the personal, historical and publishing contexts that shaped his writing career, and suggesting how awareness of these contexts throws new light on the poems. In this appreciative but not uncritical study, Sharpe tries to see the man behind the mandarin, whilst remaining alert to the challengingly sumptuous austerities of one of America's most significant poets.

Preface Abbreviations The Metier of Nothingness Starting with Nothing Strict Arrangements of Emptiness 1914-1923, Accents of Deviation 1923-1934, From the Edge to the Centre 1937-1747, Helping People Live their Lives 1947-1955, Private Man as Public Figure Notes Bibliography Index

Tony Sharpe is Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of English at Lancaster University.