Declan Ryan

Suicide was always a spectre for John Berryman

Edited by Philip Coleman and Calista McRae, the poet’s letters reveal how often he contemplated taking his own life, and how understanding he was of the death-wish of others

John Berryman. Credit: Getty Images

  • The Selected Letters of John Berryman

    Edited by Philip Coleman and Calista McRae

    Belknap, pp. 736, £31

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Jonathan Spyer

What Israel should do about Hezbollah

On Tuesday, Hezbollah launched its deepest attack into Israel since the current round of hostilities between Jerusalem and the Iran-supported Islamist group began lat October. Sirens sounded in the town of Acre as drones and rockets were launched at what pro-Hezbollah media described as ‘military targets’ between Acre and Nahariya. There were no casualties. In

Because you read about american poetry

Also by Declan Ryan

Latest

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in