Upon completing A Whole World: Letters from James Merrill edited by Langdon Hammer and Stephen Yenser, one’s emotions lean towards an elegiac tone, not just for the departure of James Merrill, who seems to come alive through the letters, but also for the bygone era of handwritten correspondence. In a world dominated by digital communication and short attention spans, the art of crafting such exquisite letters as these seems to have faded into obscurity.
While Merrill’s poetry displays a meticulous control and finesse, his letters in this collection exhibit a more organic and spontaneous essence. They meander unpredictably between rationality and passion, leaving the reader in awe of Merrill’s craftsmanship with words. His sentences are both precise and flexible, appealing not only to good taste but engaging the senses in a way that can almost be savored.
Despite Merrill’s privilege in terms of wealth, gender, and race, as well as the challenges he faced as a gay man in a tumultuous era, his letters reveal a profound maturity and self-awareness. Through his vivid descriptions of various locales around the world, one can sense Merrill’s restlessness and his deep connections to places like Athens, Greece, and Stonington, Connecticut.
The letters offer glimpses into Merrill’s creative process, his relationships, his literary judgments, and even his musings on love and life. They are filled with random tidbits, literary insights, and personal reflections that paint a rich tapestry of the man behind the poems. The editors, Langdon Hammer and Stephen Yenser, have meticulously curated this volume, presenting a masterpiece of editing that captures the essence of James Merrill’s epistolary art.
In this comprehensive collection, readers are treated to a journey through Merrill’s life, his thoughts, and his relationships, culminating in a profound appreciation for his remarkable legacy. The volume stands as a testament to Merrill’s unparalleled skill with language and his enduring presence in the literary world.
