Synopsis
What should criticism do in modern life?
It should seek and share the best ideas from around the world to guide readers today. Criticism, in this collection, argues for a disinterested effort to learn what is true and thought in the world. It emphasizes keeping a wide view—drawing on foreign thought and broad knowledge—so readers can judge current literature with clarity and fairness. The aim is not to police taste, but to illuminate genuine achievement and to help criticism grow with the times while staying rooted in lasting standards.
- Learn why criticism should pursue fresh knowledge and how it shapes our understanding of literature.
- Discover how cross‑cultural ideas can enrich reading and judgment.
- See how discerning taste combines truth, form, and the art of expression.
- Explore the balance between judgment and exploration in shaping a vibrant literary culture.
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About the Author
Harold Bloom is a distinguised literary critic and University Professor of the Humanities at Yale University.
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The Function of Criticism at the Present Time (Classic Reprint)
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the crucial role of criticism in shaping intellectual and literary landscapes. The author contends that while creative expression holds immense value, criticism serves as its vital counterpart, providing the necessary foundation and context for great works to flourish. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century European thought, the author explores the dynamics between creation and criticism, examining how historical and cultural forces influence both. The French Revolution's impact on intellectual life and the contrasting literary climates of England and Germany serve as key examples. The book challenges the notion that criticism is merely a secondary or inferior activity. Instead, it argues that criticism's ability to analyze, interpret, and synthesize ideas is essential for fostering a vibrant intellectual environment. The author emphasizes the importance of "disinterestedness" in criticism, advocating for a pursuit of knowledge and understanding that transcends political or practical agendas. By illuminating the profound interplay between creativity and criticism, this book offers valuable insights into the conditions that foster artistic and intellectual growth. It underscores the significance of critical engagement in shaping not only individual works but also the broader currents of thought and culture. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781330656945_0
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