immensely stimulating...The sure style, the engaging use of detail, and the humility of the critic made it all interesting, informative, and intruiging throughout.

Philip Tew, Modern Languages Review, vol 102, part 1

Robinson has been a generous promoter of contemporary poetry for decades, and this collection of essays bears witness to his dedication and energy. He writes with an unformulaic enthusiasm, moving easily from biographical, political and poetic context to the nitty-gritty of close reading, while also striking an easy, readable tone.

Angela Leighton, TLS

Twentieth Century Poetry is a book which dares to tackle the difficult topic of the relationship of poetry and politics; it does so, mostly, with a light touch which lets the poetry speak for itself...Peter Robinson is to be credited with listening attentively and knowledgeably to poetry, and his engagement with lesser-known, even unjustly neglected writers is especially welcome.

Angela Leighton, TLS