Through memoir, biography, literary history and critical study, Burnshaw presents new information about Frost that defuses the "monster myth" created by Frost's official biographer. "The book has an important purpose: to rescue Frost from the negative image that has lingered like a dark storm cloud since Lawrence Thompson's three-volume biography. Frost told Burnshaw, his long-time friend and sometimes editor, 'I'm counting on you to protect me from Larry,' and Burnshaw's mix of biography and criticism here fulfills Frost's hope. The final two chapters in particular argue for the humane and generous Frost, in contrast to the maniacal monster of Thompson's account, and for the poet genius whose work makes him one of the giants of modern poetry. Important as a turn in scholarly debate, this book is also sure to engage a variety of general readers."― Library Journal The first three chapters of this book are clotted with snippets of anecdote and reminiscence that never coalesce into a coherent narrative. But the book has an important purpose: to rescue Frost from the negative image that has lingered like a dark storm cloud since Lawrence Thompson's three-volume biography. Frost told Burnshaw, his long-time friend and sometimes editor, "I'm counting on you to protect me from Larry," and Burnshaw's mix of biography and criticism here fulfills Frost's hope. The final two chapters in particular argue for the humane and generous Frost, in contrast to the maniacal monster of Thompson's account, and for the poet genius whose work makes him one of the giants of modern poetry. Important as a turn in scholarly debate, this book is also sure to engage a variety of general readers. Leland Krauth, English Dept, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. Used Book in Good Condition