Grade 4-8–Decades after his death, Hughes remains an incredibly popular literary figure and the subject of any number of biographies, including one by Laurie F. Leach (Greenwood, 2004) and another by Jack Rummel (Chelsea House, 2005). This treatment adds nothing new but does emphasize his peripatetic lifestyle and his travels throughout the world. The writing is clear. The cover is quite attractive, showing a portrait of a young Hughes, and the illustrations and maps are informative. The text is enhanced with information boxes that further explain topics introduced in the text. As an introductory text, this biography serves its purpose and should make a good addition to any collection. Still, it fails to capture the real importance of Hughes as a playwright, poet, and novelist, and leaves out many of his significant relationships and his activism.
