Adventures in Criticism

A lively collection of essays originally penned for a weekly periodical, this volume captures the spirited dialogue between two long‑time collaborators—one devoted to the stage, the other to the page. Their correspondence, threaded through witty observations and earnest musings, offers listeners a glimpse into the daily craft of criticism, where the authors balance earnest scholarship with a playful, conversational tone. The dedication to a distant yet close friend adds a personal charm, turning each piece into a friendly conversation rather than a formal treatise.

Among the highlights is a thoughtful essay on a monumental new edition of Chaucer, where the writer marvels at the painstaking scholarship behind twenty‑five years of work. He explores the role of the Clarendon Press, likening it to a grand institution that could shape the future of English letters if it continues its careful, generous publishing. The piece blends deep literary insight with accessible humor, making the world of textual criticism feel both important and inviting.