Wordsworth's process of revision, his organization of poetic volumes and his supplementary writings are often seen as distinct from his poetic composition. Bates asserts that an analysis of these supplementary writings and paratexts are necessary to a full understanding of Wordsworth's poetry.

Wordsworth's process of revision, his organization of poetic volumes and his supplementary writings are often seen as distinct from his poetic composition. Bates asserts that an analysis of these supplementary writings and paratexts are necessary to a full understanding of Wordsworth's poetry. He examines Wordsworth's career between 1800 and 1820 to reveal how supplementary prose, promotion and parody were intertwined with debates on the creation of reading publics, the role of the press and the enduring literary character of England.