Praise for Sharratt's previous work:
.. an absolutely important first-rate book -Terry Eagleton
.. I am Honoured by Sharratt's attention - Seamus Heaney
.. fascinating, entertaining, . . very impressive-David Lodge
.. the most richly-packed book by an English critic in recent years-Nicholas Tredell
.. astonishing, powerful, playful, brilliantly clever and attractive-Fred Inglis