Ted Hughes: The Life of a Poet

This volume is a biography of English poet and children's writer Ted Hughes (1930-1998). Critics routinely rank him as one of the best poets of his generation. Hughes was British Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death. Hughes was married to American poet Sylvia Plath, from 1956 until her suicide in 1963 at the age of 30. His part in the relationship became controversial to some feminists and (particularly) American admirers of Plath. Hughes life was dogged by tragedy and controversy. He never entirely recovered from Plath's death, for which many have held his adultery responsible. The author explores a complex situation, throwing new light on Hughes' relationship with Assia Wevill, who later killed herself along with their young daughter.