Book excerpt: This long-awaited complete edition of Hopkins's poetry offers serious students far more guidance than has ever been available. The texts are arranged chronologically, rhythms are clarified, thousands of words and phrases are annotated for the first time, and far greater attention is paid to his neglected early output. Compiled by one of the world's leading Hopkins scholars, the book includes an introduction, extensive commentary, and headnotes for each poem setting out intellectual or biographical background and critical responses.