Sursum Corda!, Vol. 2: The Collected Letters of Malcolm Lowry, 1946-57

Bert Almon is a professor of English at the University of Alberta and
the author of Calling Texas and Earth Prime.

The second volume of letters in this outstanding series covers the
period when Malcolm Lowry—English-born but a Canadian by long
domicile— published his most important novel, Under the Volcano, and
it continues until his death in England. Lowry is an astonishingly
complicated and tortured figure, and the biographical interest in these
letters is as important as the literary revelations. The letters are
often witty, even when dealing with misfortune.

Sherrill Grace has provided a model of editing, with abundant notes, a
full chronology, interesting photographs and drawings, sample pages of
letters, and a detailed index. She’s also included three useful
appendices: the first presents a selection of notes and cards Lowry sent
to his wife, Margery; the second features important letters Lowry
received; and the third comprises important fragments, drafts, and
inscriptions. Both this volume and Sursum Corda! Vol. 1: The Collected
Letters of Malcolm Lowry, 1926–1946 should be read by all students of
modern literature.