The second person singular, and other essays

Alice Meynell’s essay collection offers a lively journey through the literary landscape of the early twentieth century, guided by a mind that blends scholarly rigor with bright, conversational wit. In pieces such as “Superfluous Kings” she interrogates Shakespeare’s regal imagination, unveiling how the playwright’s treatment of royalty reveals deeper cultural and personal anxieties. Other essays turn their gaze to contemporary poets, critics, and novelists, tracing the threads that connect their work to broader artistic currents.

Readers are treated to elegant digressions on topics ranging from Elizabethan lyricism to the enduring charm of Italian gardens, all framed by Meynell’s characteristic blend of humor and earnest appreciation. Her reflections on figures like Joanna Baillie, George Meredith and Thomas Beddoes feel both scholarly and intimate, inviting listeners to share in a conversation that feels as much about the joy of reading as it is about the subjects themselves. The collection celebrates the pleasure of close reading while gently challenging assumptions, making it a rewarding companion for anyone who loves literature spoken aloud.