In this vividly rendered and empathetic biography of two of the greatest poets of the 20th century-Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton-"the friendship and rivalry that the pair shared-not to mention the titular cocktails at a Boston hotel-is explored in fascinating detail" (Town & Country). Introduced at a poetry workshop in Boston University, Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton formed a friendship that would soon evolve into a fierce rivalry, colored by jealousy and respect in equal terms. In the years that followed, these two women would not only become iconic figures in literature, but also lead curiously parallel lives haunted by mental illness, suicide attempts, self-doubt, and difficult personal relationships. With weekly martini meetings at the Ritz to discuss everything from sex to suicide, theirs was a relationship as complex and subversive as their poetry. Based on in-depth research and unprecedented archival access, Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz will leave you "hungering for more of what these two literary comets burned with: the power of a little poetry. Deliriously fast-paced and erudite, this is highly recommended" (Library Journal, starred review).

The Haunted Reader & Sylvia Plath takes an unusual approach to Sylvia Plath studies focusing on the readers of Sylvia Plath rather than the historical figure herself. Working from the premise that Plath is a highly visible cultural figure, this book explores why her readers become so attached to her. Why does she have such a large and devoted following? What is it about her that attracts people, and once they are drawn in, how does this fandom manifest itself? This book is based on primary research carried out by the author who has collected stories and accounts from readers of Plath and explores key areas such as the first encounter with Plath, ways in which fans feel they 'double' with Plath, pilgrimages that they make to places where she lived and worked, how they interact with images of Plath and how they respond to objects owned by Plath. This study is unique. There is currently no other book that deals with this subject. As such, The Haunted Reader & Sylvia Plath offers a fascinating and original approach not only to Plath scholarship but to the increasing body of literature on fandom studies.