"Mark Rowe's Philip Larkin: Art and Self brings a philosopher's specialism as well as a generalist's breadth to a series of close readings of Larkin's poems. Rowe draws on the full range of a considerable scholarship to illuminate the poet's work from a number of angles, demonstrating throughout the validity of his own claim that 'writing about Larkin is a ... Read moreprofound and enlightening pleasure." David Timms, Professor of English, Bath Spa University, UK "Mark Rowe is a tenacious and pertinacious reader, who brings to Larkin a well-stocked philosophical intelligence. I don't agree with everything he says, but quite often he shifts what Larkin himself wryly called 'Larkin studies' on to a higher plane" Anthony Thwaite "[...] Memorable and eye-opening close readings [...]. Rowe has written a significant contribution to Larkin studies. Philip Larkin: Art and Self is not only well founded and subtly written but also enjoyable to read: it reflects the enthusiasm of the author and the pleasure of discovery. Scholars of Larkin and a wider audience interested in literature will find it equally stimulating." Istvan Recz, Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies Show Less