2020.001.001

The author describes the poet's complicated personality and the shaping influences of the early years. The cumulative estrangements of his parents during his boyhood in San Francisco is covered, as well a the unsettling effect of the move from California to New England. His poetry-writing mother's guidance during the start of his literary career is explored, along with his lover's quarrels with Elinor White during their courtship, and his intermittent suicidal despondency. The failure of his health soon after his marriage is described, and his years of recovery on the farm in Derry, New Hampshire. The circumstances of his departure to England in 1912 is included. The book ends with his success at the publication of 'A Boy's Will' and 'North of Boston' in England, and his plans for returning to America.