Fifty Poems of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was born into a prominent Nwe England family. Sociable as a child, she grew increasingly withdrawn, and in later years became known as a recluse. Though her poems often accompanied gifts to family and close friends, only seven of her poems were published during her lifetime.

Performed by leading actresses such as Joan Allen, Stephanie beacham, Jill Eikenberry, Amy Irving, Glenda Jackson, Nancy Kwan, Cheryl Ladd, Melissa Manchester, Jean Smart, Sharon Stone, Meryl Street, Alfre Woodland and Daphne Zuniga, these poems are poignant reminders of a fragile life.

At the age of 23, Emily Dickinson receded from the social whirl of her prominent family into semiseclusion. For the remaining 23 years of her life she was happiest when alone and writing. As she requested in "The Prayer," "Great Spirit, give to me a heaven not so large as yours, but large enough for me." Read by a group of very talented celebrity women such as Meryl Streep, Sharon Stone, and Alfre Woodard, these pieces lean toward the somber side of Dickinson's work (which, as her fans know, is very somber indeed). Poems include "Shipwreck," "Will There Really Be a Morning?" and "To Know Just How He Suffered." (Running time: 45 minutes, 1 cassette) --C.B. Delaney