The Necessary Angel: Essays on Reality and the Imagination
The Necessary Angel: Essays on Reality and the Imagination
Book Brief
BetaThe Necessary Angel: Essays on Reality and the Imagination
Nonfiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1965192
Poem • Nonfiction
1950s
1965
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Necessary Angel: Essays on Reality and the Imagination by Wallace Stevens explores the interplay between reality and the imagination. Through a collection of essays, Stevens examines the role of creativity in perceiving the world, emphasizing the transformative power of imagination in enriching human experience and understanding.
Contemplative
Fantastical
Inspirational
Mysterious
Informative
Reviews & Readership
830 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Necessary Angel: Essays on Reality and the Imagination by Wallace Stevens is acclaimed for its profound exploration of poetry and imagination, blending philosophy and artistry. Some critique it as dense and challenging, yet others praise its intellectual depth and insight. Stevens’ prose captivates those interested in the interplay between reality and imagination.
Who Should Read The Necessary Angel: Essays on Reality and the Imagination?
A reader who appreciates The Necessary Angel by Wallace Stevens likely enjoys philosophical and poetic explorations of imagination and reality. Fans of The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard or The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism by T. S. Eliot would find this collection insightful.
830 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Necessary Angel: Essays on Reality and the Imagination is Wallace Stevens' only collection of essays, offering a rare glimpse into the theoretical mind of a poet known predominantly for his poetry.
Stevens delivered the essays as lectures at various universities before compiling them into this collection, reflecting his engagement with academic and intellectual communities.
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Despite being a collection of essays, the book reflects Stevens' poetic style, blending philosophical musings with rich, imaginative language.
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192
Poem • Nonfiction
1950s
1965
Adult
18+ years
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