Ariel (1965) contains many of Sylvia Plath's best-known poems written in an extraordinary burst of creativity just before her death in 1963, including 'Lady Lazarus', 'Edge', 'Daddy' and 'Paralytic'. The first of four collections to be published by Faber & Faber, Ariel is the volume on which Sylvia Plath's reputation as one of the most original, daring and gifted poets of the twentieth century rests. This beautiful hardback reproduces the classic design of the first edition of a volume now recognised to be one of the most shocking and iconic collections of poetry of the twentieth century. 'If the poems are despairing, vengeful and destructive, they are at the same time tender, open to things, and also unusually clever, sardonic, hardminded . . . They are works of great artistic purity and, despite all the nihilism, great generosity . . . the book is a major literary event.' A. Alvarez in the Observer
Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer known for her confessional style and exploration of themes such as mental illness, gender roles, and the complexities of human relationships. Her most notable works include the semi-autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar" and the poetry collection "Ariel," which was published posthumously.
Plath's writing is characterized by its raw emotion, vivid imagery, and unflinching honesty. She is credited with helping to redefine the genre of confessional poetry and has had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of writers.
Plath's most famous work is arguably her poem "Daddy," which delves into her complex relationship with her father and themes of power, control, and liberation. Despite her tragic death by suicide at the age of 30, Sylvia Plath's literary legacy continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.