"In this introduction to the author's poetry, Susan Bassnett offers a balanced view of Plath as one of the finest contemporary poets and shows the diversity of her work. Bassnett's perspective on the writer provides a welcome alternative to the many studies which attempt endlessly to psychoanalyse Plath posthumously." "Now thoroughly revised and expanded in the light of recent research, the second edition of this essential text contains new chapters and more close readings of the poetry. It concludes with an analysis of Ted Hughes' Birthday Letters, a collection of poems which he wrote about his wife after her death."--Jacket.