Introduction: Empson in the Round

Abstract Empson was not one for straightforward introductions. ‘I have noticed that, when you give a party, the best thing is not to rush at everybody and try to force them to talk to each other; in a party that goes unexpectedly well (in the way of making disparate groups talk to each other) you often notice that the host has been stuck away in the corner most of the time, talking to some expert about a technical point he is really interested in’ ( A 109). One can imagine parties that might not go particularly well if the host adopted this method (is he merely ‘stuck away’ in the corner, or has he stuck the expert there, cornering him on a point of detail? And meanwhile, although those ‘disparate groups’ should perhaps not be ‘forced’ to talk, they may need to be coaxed if they are to feel a little less disparate.) Still, Empson has a point, and his noticing in some ways hints at the shape of his own career and critical influence: playing the not-quite-genial host to different groups and interests, encouraging the openness of ‘talk’ yet defending the need to get ‘technical’. Indeed, his comment is part of a discussion about ‘the co-operative work of critics’: ‘As to co-operation, I hope I don’t refuse it, but I have noticed that, when you give a party . . . ’ An invitation to the Empson party is an invitation to the unexpected. Guests should be ready for combat as well as for courtship.