Subject
Criticism -- Great Britain Books
Best books
Robert Lynd
The Art of Letters
"The Art of Letters" by Robert Lynd is a critical collection focused on literary figures and their impact, written in the early 20th century. The work appears to examine writers from various periods, including Samuel Pepys, John Bunyan, and others, highlighting their unique contributions to literature as well as their personal lives and philosophies. Through Lynd's insightful analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of not only the writers’ works but also the historical and cultural contexts in which they wrote. The opening of the book introduces the first chapter, which centers on Samuel Pepys, the famed 17th-century diarist. Lynd portrays Pepys as a complex character—part Puritan, part hedonist—who passionately chronicled both his mundane daily experiences and his more indulgent pursuits in a detailed diary. The narrative showcases Pepys's struggles with his faith, morality, and personal relationships, portraying him as a man caught between strict societal expectations and his desires. Throughout this exploration, Lynd effectively illustrates Pepys’s dual nature and the intricate interplay of his private and public personas.
Charles Edwyn Vaughan
English literary criticism
"English Literary Criticism" by Charles Edwyn Vaughan is a scholarly work focused on the evolution of literary criticism in England, likely written during the late 19th century. The text examines the development of critical methods and illustrates various phases via selected essays from significant critics, including Philip Sidney, John Dryden, and Samuel Johnson. The book aims to explore the relationship between literature and criticism through time, emphasizing how criticism has shaped readers' understanding of literature from the Elizabethan period onward. At the start of this volume, Vaughan introduces his objective, outlining a historical framework for understanding English literary criticism. He notes that criticism arose later than creative writing and reflects on the early foundations laid by writers like Chaucer, while also hinting at a significant shift during the Elizabethan era. The opening portion further delves into critical responses to the rise of poetry and drama, highlighting the tensions between traditional classical standards and the emerging voices advocating for more innovative forms of artistic expression. As Vaughan sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of various critics from different eras, he emphasizes the interplay between poetic genius and an evolving framework of literary judgment.
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