’For those who feel acutely the stultifying staleness of so much modern literary criticism, Bernard Bergonzi’s new book will arrive as a breath of fresh air...Professor Bergonzi...exhibits a masterful control of his subject and an ability to cut through the cant of modern literary fads with a firm but gentle touch...War Poets and Other Subjects confirms Bergonzi’s place at the forefront of literary criticism.’ The Tablet ’What is cheering about this entertaining collection is that every carefully argued piece implies faith in the continued existence of the alert "general reader", worth talking to and talking with.’ The Spectator ’Readers who value this sort of criticism as much as I do should fight their way through the obstacles and get hold of a copy.’ PN Review.