Introduction: The Brilliant Ford Madox Ford

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on aspects of Ford's life and work, and his connections to various literary, artistic and historical events, movements' and periods. There are multiple ways in which connections might be made between the chapters. The book provides those encountering Ford for the first time or, perhaps, returning to Ford, interested to find out more with a comprehensive introduction to the life and work of one of the most complex and rewarding modern authors. Ford's posthumous appearance in Life Studies is not surprising: he was an important figure for Lowell. What is surprising is that it was not until the end of the twentieth century that Ford began to receive the critical attention he warranted. Today, Ford is known by an audience beyond colleges and universities. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) screened a five-part television adaptation of Parade's End, scripted by Tom Stoppard, directed by Susanna White.