Take Arms Against a Sea of Troubles: The Power of the Reader's Mind over a Universe of Death

The great poems, plays, novels, and stories teach us how to go on living. Harold Bloom's final book, a tribute to the power of poetry, encourages readers to read something that matters as soon as possible to overcome their mistakes, accidents, and failures. This is a fitting last testament to one of America's leading twentieth-century literary minds, praised for its passionate and deeply unfashionable faith in the capacity of the imagination to make the world feel habitable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 672 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

The great poems, plays, novels, and stories hold immense power in teaching us the essence of living. They provide us with resilience and guidance, helping us overcome the challenges and setbacks that life throws our way. However, it is important to recognize that our own mistakes, accidents, and failures can sometimes bring us down, leaving us feeling defeated.

In such moments, it is crucial to rise from the depths of despair and embrace the transformative power of literature. As the renowned literary critic Harold Bloom suggests in his final book, one that celebrates the enduring influence of poetry, we should seize the opportunity to immerse ourselves in meaningful words that resonate with our souls.

This remarkable work, perhaps Bloom's most personal and profound, serves as a fitting testament to his exceptional literary mind. It is a testament to his unwavering belief in the capacity of the imagination to make the world feel habitable, even in the face of adversity.

Reading, as Bloom passionately advocates, plays a vital role in sustaining our existence. It offers us a means to navigate the turbulent waters of life, providing solace, wisdom, and a sense of connection. High literature, according to Bloom, emerges as a saving lie against the relentless forces of time, loss of individuality, and premature death. It serves as a beacon of hope, offering us a means to transcend our limitations and find meaning in the midst of chaos.

In this captivating collection, Bloom takes readers on a grand tour of the poetic voices that have haunted him throughout his lifetime. Through passages of breathtaking intimacy, he reveals his late-night rituals of reciting lines from Dante, Shakespeare, Milton, Montaigne, Blake, Wordsworth, Hart Crane, Jay Wright, and countless others. He describes the profound impact that these words have had on his life, offering solace and understanding in times of confusion.

Despite the overwhelming sense of "edged by nothingness" that he experiences, Bloom finds solace in the act of reading. It is through literature that he finds a sense of purpose and meaning, a means to transcend the limitations of his own existence. His words are filled with generosity and clarity, as he encourages readers to embrace the transformative power of literature and find solace in the words of others.

This book stands as one of Harold Bloom's most ambitious and moving works. It is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the art of literature and his profound belief in the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the wisdom of Bloom and immerse ourselves in the beauty of poetry, plays, novels, and stories. They hold the key to sustaining our existence and reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie within us.

Weight: 826g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300261530