Red Comet

The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath

By Heather Clark | Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

About the book

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • The highly anticipated biography of Sylvia Plath that focuses on her remarkable literary and intellectual achievements, while restoring the woman behind the long-held myths about her life and art.

“One of the most beautiful biographies I've ever read.\" —Glennon Doyle, author of #1 New York Times Bestseller, Untamed


With a wealth of never-before-accessed materials, Heather Clark brings to life the brilliant Sylvia Plath, who had precocious poetic ambition and was an accomplished published writer even before she became a star at Smith College. Refusing to read Plath’s work as if her every act was a harbinger of her tragic fate, Clark considers the sociopolitical context as she thoroughly explores Plath’s world: her early relationships and determination not to become a conventional woman and wife; her troubles with an unenlightened mental health industry; her Cambridge years and thunderclap meeting with Ted Hughes; and much more.

Clark’s clear-eyed portraits of Hughes, his lover Assia Wevill, and other demonized players in the arena of Plath’s suicide promote a deeper understanding of her final days. Along with illuminating readings of the poems themselves, Clark’s meticulous, compassionate research brings us closer than ever to the spirited woman and visionary artist who blazed a trail that still lights the way for women poets the world over.

Editions of Red Comet

Hardcover
ISBN 9780307961167
Paperback
ISBN 9780307951267
EBook
ISBN 9780307961174
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780593292112
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780593292129

Read an Excerpt

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • The highly anticipated biography of Sylvia Plath that focuses on her remarkable literary and intellectual achievements, while restoring the woman behind the long-held myths about her life and art.

“One of the most beautiful biographies I've ever read.\" —Glennon Doyle, author of #1 New York Times Bestseller, Untamed


With a wealth of never-before-accessed materials, Heather Clark brings to life the brilliant Sylvia Plath, who had precocious poetic ambition and was an accomplished published writer even before she became a star at Smith College. Refusing to read Plath’s work as if her every act was a harbinger of her tragic fate, Clark considers the sociopolitical context as she thoroughly explores Plath’s world: her early relationships and determination not to become a conventional woman and wife; her troubles with an unenlightened mental health industry; her Cambridge years and thunderclap meeting with Ted Hughes; and much more.

Clark’s clear-eyed portraits of Hughes, his lover Assia Wevill, and other demonized players in the arena of Plath’s suicide promote a deeper understanding of her final days. Along with illuminating readings of the poems themselves, Clark’s meticulous, compassionate research brings us closer than ever to the spirited woman and visionary artist who blazed a trail that still lights the way for women poets the world over.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Comet about?

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • The highly anticipated biography of Sylvia Plath that focuses on her remarkable literary and intellectual achievements, while restoring the woman behind the long-held myths about her life and art.

“One of the most beautiful biographies I've ever read.\" —Glennon Doyle, author of #1 New York Times Bestseller, Untamed


With a wealth of never-before-accessed materials, Heather Clark brings to life the brilliant Sylvia Plath, who had precocious poetic ambition and was an accomplished published writer even before she became a star at Smith College. Refusing to read Plath’s work as if her every act was a harbinger of her tragic fate, Clark considers the sociopolitical context as she thoroughly explores Plath’s world: her early relationships and determination not to become a conventional woman and wife; her troubles with an unenlightened mental health industry; her Cambridge years and thunderclap meeting with Ted Hughes; and much more.

Clark’s clear-eyed portraits of Hughes, his lover Assia Wevill, and other demonized players in the arena of Plath’s suicide promote a deeper understanding of her final days. Along with illuminating readings of the poems themselves, Clark’s meticulous, compassionate research brings us closer than ever to the spirited woman and visionary artist who blazed a trail that still lights the way for women poets the world over.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Red Comet?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: writers

Where can I read a sample of Red Comet?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780307961167

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Red Comet?

Heather Clark

Who is the Publisher of the book Red Comet?

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Red Comet is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780307961167) and paperback(ISBN 9780307951267) and ebook(ISBN 9780307961174) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593292112) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593292129)

Where can I buy Red Comet online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Red Comet?