Gillian Beer's Arguing with the past, a collection of essays published in recent years (with one, on Richardson and Milton, dating from as long ago as 1968), is richly written, contains many sharp critical insights, and shows the author to have a good ear for nuances of language in the literary works she chooses to discuss. At the same time, she reveals some straining in her pursuit of the chief 'argument' - namely, that half-readings, 'failed' readings and forgettings of other authors can make up an important part of a writer's experience and creativity.

LRB 23 November 1989 | PDF Download