The life of modernist poet Laura Riding (1901-1991), has drawn sharply divided opinion about her merits. Many have dismissed her as a domineering nutcase.
Although the core of 'In Extremis' is Riding's 14-year relationship with Robert Graves, it refutes the sexist assumption of early historians that Graves must have been the main force in their collaboration.
Despite being hostile towards Deborah Baker's biography and opposing publication, Riding is vindicated because, instead of her weird behaviour, it is her belief in poetry as the medium for truth-telling that resonates.
