World Literature as Discovery: Expanding the World Literary Canon

The rise of world literature is a notable phenomenon in literary studies, but canonical works are primarily from European or Western literature. World Literature as Discovery: Expanding the World Literary Canon argues that world literature should include great works from non-European and minor European literatures to promote discovery and a more inclusive concept of world literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The emergence of world literature has emerged as a striking phenomenon in the field of literary studies during the twenty-first century. While it is true that renowned and widely circulated works primarily originate from European or Western literary traditions, the vast majority of non-European and even minor European literatures remain largely unfamiliar beyond their respective cultural contexts.

In response to this imbalance, World Literature as Discovery: Expanding the World Literary Canon advocates for a transformative approach that goes beyond Eurocentrism and broadens the canon to encompass exceptional works from non-European and minor European literatures. Given that a significant portion of the world's literature remains untranslated and overlooked, this expansion promises to be an exhilarating journey of discovery. By delving into fundamental questions surrounding canon, circulation, aesthetic values, translation, cosmopolitanism, and the literary universal, Zhang Longxi presents a novel and emancipating concept of world literature that holds the potential to shape a truly global and inclusive literary landscape.

This book serves as a powerful testament to the notion that all literary traditions, particularly those from non-European backgrounds, possess the capacity to make significant contributions and enrich the canon of world literature. It offers valuable insights to students and scholars alike, encouraging them to recognize the immense value and richness of diverse literary traditions and fostering a broader understanding of the world's literary heritage. Through its exploration of these critical themes, World Literature as Discovery: Expanding the World Literary Canon contributes to the ongoing dialogue and evolution of literary studies, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape that celebrates the richness and diversity of human expression across the globe.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032504766