The Devils and Canon Barham

A Legendary Critic's Final Collection: From Childhood Fascinations to Modern Literary Giants

In The Devils & Canon Barham, Edmund Wilson's last collection of criticism, the renowned critic returns to his roots and youth across ten captivating essays. Previously published in the New Yorker and the New York Review of Books, Wilson's writing delves into his childhood love for The Ingoldsby Legends, the works of literary giants like Hemingway and Eliot's The Waste Land, and even ventures into the realm of the monstrous with a piece on The Monsters of Bomarzo.

With his signature wit and incisive analysis, Wilson explores a range of 20th century literature, from Harold Frederic and Henry B. Fuller to Edwin O'Connor. The collection concludes with Wilson taking the Modern Language Association (MLA) to task in a thought-provoking critique. The Devils & Canon Barham showcases a legendary critic at his finest, offering a diverse and engaging look at the literary landscape of his time.