Literary Criticism: A Short History: Classical Criticism

Literary Criticism: A Short History, first published in 1957, is a comprehensive survey of aesthetic heritage, divided into four volumes, presenting various critical positions and theories in dialogue with creative literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1957, Literary Criticism: A Short History is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of aesthetic heritage, spanning from its classical origins to the contemporary state of criticism in the English-speaking world. Spanning across four volumes, each book adopts a fair and objective stance in presenting diverse critical positions, while also engaging in a vital dialectic with the creative literature of its own time.

In Volume One, the focus lies on Classical criticism, delving into the works of Socrates and the Rhapsode, the structure of poetry, the genres of tragedy and comedy, Roman classicism, and various Medieval themes. This volume provides a foundational understanding of the critical approaches and theories that have shaped the study of literature throughout history.

As the series progresses, Volume Two delves into Renaissance criticism, examining the works of influential thinkers such as Erasmus, Petrarch, and Shakespeare. It explores the themes of humanism, individualism, and the exploration of the human condition through literature. Volume Two also examines the influence of classical philosophy on Renaissance literature and the ways in which writers sought to emulate and expand upon the ideas of their predecessors.

Volume Three explores the emergence of modern criticism, with a focus on the works of influential critics such as John Keats, William Wordsworth, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It examines the shift towards Romanticism, the importance of nature, and the influence of personal experience on artistic expression. Volume Three also explores the development of literary theory and the critical methodologies employed by modern critics.

Finally, Volume Four explores the contemporary state of criticism, with a focus on the works of postcolonial critics, feminist critics, and queer critics. It examines the ways in which literature reflects and responds to social, cultural, and political changes, and the ways in which critics seek to challenge and redefine traditional critical paradigms.

Literary Criticism: A Short History is a invaluable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of literature and its historical development. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the critical approaches and theories that have shaped the study of literature throughout history, and it serves as a valuable guide for those seeking to explore and interpret the rich tapestry of literary works.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367692124