Hamlet: Poem Unlimited

I think it was Oscar Wilde who questioned whether "Hamlet's" critics were mad or only pretending to be mad. Certainly, this fascinating and extraordinary play has prompted not only some fine critical analysis from amongst others Wilson Knight, T.S. Eliot, A. C. Bradley, L.C Knights, Maynard Mack et al, but also much that is bizarre to put it kindly - for example the far from slim volume that argues that all the hero's problems stemmed from his being overweight! "Oh, that this too, too solid flesh would melt."!No play can have felled more forests or exhausted more ink wells. I have long been an admirer of Harold Bloom, a critic, who during the depressing period of so much agenda-led literary criticism, has come to books with a fine and open mind. He stands in the tradition of Eliot, Leavis and Trilling in being prepared to venture qualitative judgements. His discernment is evident in the value he places on such great American novels as "As I Lay Dying" and "Blood Meridian". It is a brave man who takes on a fresh critical perspective on "Hamlet". Harold Bloom offers a refreshingly personal reading, sometimes quite quirky, but always stimulating. I don't think his reputation will come to rest on these pieces but a rare sensibility is again at work. It is well worth the reading.

Good stuff