A history of criticism and literary taste in Europe, from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 3 (of 3), Modern criticism

by George Saintsbury

"A History of Criticism and Literary Taste in Europe, from the Earliest Texts to the Present Day" by George Saintsbury is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the evolution of literary criticism and taste across Europe, documenting developments from the earliest texts to the 19th century. Saintsbury aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the critical landscape, arguing for the importance of modern literature alongside ancient works." "At the start of this comprehensive volume, the author introduces the scope of the discussion, focusing primarily on the 19th century while also referring to relevant earlier texts. Saintsbury stresses the significance of evaluating literature on its own merits rather than strictly adhering to the established norms of classical criticism. He outlines varying perspectives on criticism from notable authors and highlights the gradual shift towards appreciating modern literature, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of literary evolution and the critics influential in shaping contemporary taste."