The structure of complex words

Empson elegantly demonstrates the weight of allusion and implication borne by even the simplest works of our Man, honest, quite, dog. He explores the complex play of such words in social situations and in literature, producing in the process brilliant critical essays.

Sir William Empson (1906-1984) held the Chair of English Literature from 1953 to 1971 at the University of Sheffield.

Jonathan Culler is Class of 1916 Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Cornell University.