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W. B. Yeats’s Manuscripts and the Rehumanizing of Literary Studies

Phillip L. Marcus, Professor Emeritus of English at Cornell University and Professor of English at Florida International University, presents a talk based on his thirty-three years’ experience as co-General Editor of the Cornell Yeats Series, a 32-volume edition of the manuscripts of Yeats’s poetry and plays.

In an increasingly “virtual” world, literary study has become increasingly abstract, more focused on “theory” than on literature itself and often assuming as one of its starting points “the death of the author.” Perhaps surprisingly, the dehumanizing effects of that focus can be offset and the process of rehumanizing literary study begun through the study of manuscripts. These documents offer intimate glimpses of the author struggling intensely with feelings and words before the creative process yields a perfected work of art. Yeats himself once wrote that he wanted his work to be understood as “no rootless flower but the speech of a man,” and the manuscripts do indeed reveal the man who created them. In order to provide a hands-on experience, the audience will be provided with photocopies of the manuscripts being discussed.

Introduction by Abby Bender, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Irish Studies at NYU. Prof Bender’s publications include “The Language of the Outlaw: A Clarification,” a note relating to Roger Casement and Ulysses, James Joyce Quarterly, 44:4 (Summer 2007).

Non-members: $10. RSVP to 212-998-3950 (option 3) or email [email protected].











When: Thu., Apr. 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Glucksman Ireland House NYU
1 Washington Mews
212-998-3950
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Phillip L. Marcus, Professor Emeritus of English at Cornell University and Professor of English at Florida International University, presents a talk based on his thirty-three years’ experience as co-General Editor of the Cornell Yeats Series, a 32-volume edition of the manuscripts of Yeats’s poetry and plays.

In an increasingly “virtual” world, literary study has become increasingly abstract, more focused on “theory” than on literature itself and often assuming as one of its starting points “the death of the author.” Perhaps surprisingly, the dehumanizing effects of that focus can be offset and the process of rehumanizing literary study begun through the study of manuscripts. These documents offer intimate glimpses of the author struggling intensely with feelings and words before the creative process yields a perfected work of art. Yeats himself once wrote that he wanted his work to be understood as “no rootless flower but the speech of a man,” and the manuscripts do indeed reveal the man who created them. In order to provide a hands-on experience, the audience will be provided with photocopies of the manuscripts being discussed.

Introduction by Abby Bender, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Irish Studies at NYU. Prof Bender’s publications include “The Language of the Outlaw: A Clarification,” a note relating to Roger Casement and Ulysses, James Joyce Quarterly, 44:4 (Summer 2007).

Non-members: $10. RSVP to 212-998-3950 (option 3) or email [email protected].

Buy tickets/get more info now