When Randall Jarrell died in 1965, he left behind a critically acclaimed body of poetry, fiction and literary criticism that has earned him a permanent place in American literature. In these seven essays, his widow writes lovingly and knowingly about the wellsprings and character of his poetry, particularly his work on his last and best book, ; the creation of his celebrated children's books, and his lifelong friendship with short-story writer Peter Taylor; his dedicated commitment during the last eight years of his life to completing his translation of Goethe's and their remarkable and joyous marriage.