Author
A. C. (Andrew Cecil) Bradley
1851-1935
A. C. (Andrew Cecil) Bradley (1851-1935) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by A. C. (Andrew Cecil) Bradley
Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth
"Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth" by A.C. Bradley is a scholarly examination of key works by the renowned playwright William Shakespeare, likely written in the early 20th century. The text consists of a series of lectures that analyze the essence and structure of Shakespearean tragedy, focusing specifically on four of his most famous plays. The author delves into the nature of tragedy as presented by Shakespeare, discussing themes such as character, moral order, and the existential struggles faced by the protagonists. The opening of the book introduces Bradley's intent to explore the fundamental characteristics of Shakespearean tragedy without delving into the playwright’s biography or his position in literary history. The author emphasizes the significance of dramatic appreciation and understanding the internal workings of the plays to foster enjoyment and comprehension among readers. He outlines his approach, indicating that the lectures will not only highlight the distinctive tragic elements in plays such as "Hamlet," "Othello," "King Lear," and "Macbeth" but also provide insights into the actions and motivations of the central characters. Through this analytical lens, Bradley aims to enhance the reader's engagement with these iconic tragedies.
Oxford Lectures on Poetry
"Oxford Lectures on Poetry" by A. C. Bradley is a scholarly work composed of a series of lectures that explore the nature and essence of poetry, written in the early 20th century. The lectures primarily focus on the concept of "Poetry for Poetry's Sake," discussing how poetry functions independently of its instructional or moral values. The author, a former Professor of Poetry at Oxford, delves into the intricacies of poetic experience and offers insights into how poetry conveys meaning, particularly through the interplay of form and substance. The opening of the text introduces Bradley's ideas regarding the definition of poetry and its intrinsic value. He reflects on his role as a lecturer, briefly considering his predecessors while emphasizing the importance of understanding poetry in its essence beyond conventional expectations. He articulates that poetic value is not determined by the ulterior effects or moral lessons of poetry but lies in the imaginative experience that poetry offers. This sets the stage for his deeper analysis of the nature of poetry, inviting readers to rethink the way they engage with poetic works and highlighting the transformative power of the poetic experience.
Poetry for Poetry's Sake An Inaugural Lecture Delivered on June 5, 1901
"Poetry for Poetry's Sake" by A. C. Bradley is an inaugural lecture delivered in the early 20th century, specifically in 1901, reflecting on the nature and value of poetry. This scholarly work belongs to the realm of literary criticism and aesthetics, centering on the idea that poetry holds intrinsic worth as an art form that should be appreciated for its own sake rather than for any external utility it might serve—such as moral instruction or emotional manipulation. Bradley, a professor of poetry at Oxford, engages with the theme of poetic value, emphasizing the importance of experiencing poetry in its essence, which combines both form and substance. In this lecture, Bradley defends the proposition that poetry should be appreciated as a self-contained entity, independent of the meanings or messages it conveys beyond its artistic composition. Throughout his discourse, he addresses common misunderstandings about the relationship between form and subject, arguing that reducing poetry to mere technicalities or external meanings undermines its aesthetic integrity. He posits that the poetic value lies within the poem itself—the unity of its language and meaning—rather than in the individual components that constitute it. By exploring the complexities of how poetry interacts with life, experience, and emotion, Bradley illustrates the distinctive nature of poetic experience and its vital place in human culture.