William Empson

Sir William Empson (27 September 1906 - 15 April 1984) was an English literary critic and poet, widely influential for his close-reading of literary works, a practice fundamental to New Criticism.

His best known work is his first, Seven Types of Ambiguity, a work of literary criticism first published in 1930. It was one of the most influential critical works of the 20th century and was a key text in the formation of the New Criticism school.

The book is organised around the seven types of ambiguity that Empson identifies in the poetry he criticises.

Empson joined The University of Sheffield in 1954, and later held the post as head of the English Department until his retirement in 1972.

In 1979, Sir William Empson was knighted and in the same year received an honorary fellowship from Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Empson’s critical achievement has nothing to do with paralysing theories… It is an empirical investigation of how to read, think and perhaps live better.

Jim McCue

Former Editor of The Times

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The collection currently consists of over 500 books.

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