The book's first chapter considers "the mythic imagination" and Sagar attempts later in his chapter" from world of blood to world of light" to explore Hughe's later poems in the light of his ideas of myth and imagination. Sagar has previously written a study of D H Lawrence in which he writes powerfully about Lawrence's views on myths and old religions and he seems to be saying very similar things about Hughe's later poetry. This can sometimes be difficult to follow. A feature of this study is an attempt to contextualize Hughes's Crow poems, which is useful.

Sagar does a good job of linking Hughes''s poems to his personal life and his criticism of Hughes earlier poetry: Hawk in the rain, Lupercal, amd Wodwo is very insightful and worth reading.He also explains the rational behind the Mooretown diary poems. Of course Hughes is recognised as a nature poet and Sagar is very good at explaining why his nature poetry is so powerful and original.

Sagar is well placed to write this study having known Hughes personally and explored the poets ideas with him. As an admirer of Hughes poetry I found this study fascinating and I would recommend anybody interested in the poetry to seek this book out. I will certainly be dipping into it again as I read more of Hughes later poetry. ( )