Did you know that Sylvia Plath could draw? If you did, then you’ll definitely be interested in this book; if you didn’t, then, perhaps this will pique your curiosity also. Plath was a penman (woman?) of images as well as words, it transpires, and this slick, square-shaped (perfect for gifting or for placing on a coffee tabletop) title showcases a collection of her works, primarily from the year 1956.

The drawings were gifted by Plath’s husband, poet Ted Hughes, to their children just prior to his death in 1998, and first published in hardback form in 2013. This paperback edition still includes the foreword by the pair’s daughter, Frieda Hughes, and alongside the pen and ink sketches, drawn on travels in Europe and the USA, are extracts from Plath’s diary and letters which touch upon her artistic endeavours, inspirations, and evolution.

The art itself is good, finely rendered and actually very modern in its style, with an energy and immediacy that’s extremely appealing; but still, for me, it’s the prose alongside the images that is most of interest. Even in her casual writings, Plath remains a master. Together, the pictorial and literary elements intertwine to create a touching, intriguing, lively, and personal journal of place and response that’s just lovely to immerse into. A great gift, as I say – but that also includes to yourself, of course.