This study, first published in 1960, aims to show how to read Stevens. There have since been many critical accounts of Stevens, which are listed in the bibliography. Kermode also wrote an introduction for this new edition of his essay in which he recalls how insecure Stevens' reputation was in the 1950s. Frank Kermode edited the "Selected Prose of T.S. Eliot" and he is the author of "History and Value". He is a regular contributor to "Partisan Review", "New Statesman" and "The London Review of Books", as well as co-editor of "Encounter" magazine.