Subject
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- History and criticism Books
Best books
Georg Brandes
Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 6. Young Germany
"Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 6. Young Germany" by Georg Brandes is a historical and literary analysis written in the early 20th century. This volume examines the literary movement known as Young Germany and its context within the socio-political landscape of the 19th century, focusing particularly on the reactionary political climate following the Napoleonic Wars and the influence of revolutionary movements. The work reflects on key literary figures and the role of literature as a vehicle for political and societal critique during a time of unrest and emerging nationalism in Germany. The opening of the book situates the Young Germany movement against the backdrop of significant political repression following the Napoleonic Wars, particularly under figures like Metternich, who sought to quell revolutionary sentiment. Brandes describes the disappointment among the German youth who had hoped for unification and freedom but faced a harsh reality of reactionary politics. Notable individuals such as Ludwig Börne and Heinrich Heine emerge as voices of resistance against this oppression, employing their literary works to advocate for freedom and national identity. The early chapters emphasize the bleak state of German society and the yearning for political liberty, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of how literature intersected with the cultural and political currents of the time.
James Huneker
Egoists, A Book of Supermen Stendhal, Baudelaire, Flaubert, Anatole France, Huysmans, Barrès, Nietzsche, Blake, Ibsen, Stirner, and Ernest Hello
"Egoists, A Book of Supermen" by James Huneker is a collection of literary essays written in the early 20th century. The book explores prominent figures in literature and philosophy, including Stendhal, Flaubert, and Nietzsche, highlighting their contributions and idiosyncrasies. Through a critical lens, Huneker delves into the intricacies of their lives and works, examining the traits that set them apart as "supermen" in the literary canon. The opening of the collection introduces the first essay, focusing on Henry Beyle, better known as Stendhal. Huneker paints a vivid portrait of Stendhal, contrasting his delicate psychological insights with his unremarkable physical appearance. The text discusses Stendhal's duality as a passionate lover and cynical observer, emphasizing how his seemingly contradictory nature informed his writing. The essay sets the tone for the subsequent pieces, suggesting a rich exploration of the complex interplay between personality, creativity, and the societal contexts in which these literary figures existed.
Georg Brandes
Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 5. The Romantic School in France
"Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 5. The Romantic School in France" by Georg Brandes is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume explores the evolution of literature in France during the Romantic period, particularly focusing on the social, political, and artistic influences that shaped writers like Victor Hugo, George Sand, and Alfred de Musset. The book likely delves into how these writers reacted to the cultural climate following the upheavals of the French Revolution and the rise of the bourgeoisie, as well as their struggles against established literary conventions. The opening of this work provides a rich backdrop to the Romantic School in France, detailing the political landscape from 1825 to 1835. Brandes discusses how the young generation of writers sought to express their individualistic ideals amid the political reactions that marked the reign of Louis Philippe. The literature of this time is presented as a passionate reaction against the dreary bourgeois materialism of their era, characterized by a longing for artistic liberty and vibrancy. Brandes illustrates the broader context of their struggles against both societal constraints and the artistic conventions of the previous classical period, setting the stage for the emergence of their unique voices and themes.
Georg Brandes
Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 4. Naturalism in England
"Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 4. Naturalism in England" by George Brandes is a critical literary analysis written in the early 20th century. This work explores the emergence of Naturalism in English literature during the 19th century, discussing how this movement influenced various authors and literary works of the period. Brandes examines the transition from classical forms to a literature that emphasizes realism and the representation of nature and society, reflecting the broader currents of political and social change. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the Naturalistic movement in England, highlighting the universal characteristics shared across European literature during this time. Brandes indicates that this literary shift arose partly as a reaction against the prevailing classical ideals influenced by the Enlightenment. He emphasizes how political events, such as the war with France and the social upheavals caused by the industrial revolution, contributed to a renewed focus on individual experience and the natural world. Notably, the text introduces key figures such as Wordsworth and Coleridge, who sought to rupture with the literary conventions of the 18th century, paving the way for a new embrace of nature and the ‘common’ subject in poetry, thereby establishing the foundations of Naturalism in English literature.
Georg Brandes
Eminent Authors of the Nineteenth Century: Literary Portraits
"Eminent Authors of the Nineteenth Century: Literary Portraits" by Georg Brandes is a collection of literary essays written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on influential authors from various nationalities, providing biographical and critical insights into their contributions to literature. The essays aim to capture the essence and individuality of each author, showcasing how they reflect the modern literary movement. The opening of the book begins with a note of personal gratitude from Rasmus B. Anderson, the American translator, highlighting the collaborative effort in bringing Brandes's work to an English-speaking audience. Brandes's preface discusses the importance of understanding an author's individual characteristics and contexts, explaining that his essays are designed to portray authors he has studied closely or interacted with personally. He outlines his intention to portray not just their works, but also their psychological and aesthetic dimensions, ultimately aiming to create a comprehensive picture of modern thought as experienced through these authors. The contents hint at in-depth discussions of significant literary figures, including Paul Heyse and Hans Christian Andersen, commencing with Brandes's reflections on their identities as modern writers.
Georg Brandes
Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 2. The Romantic School in Germany
"Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 2. The Romantic School in Germany" by George Brandes is a scholarly work written in the early 20th century. The book explores the German Romantic School, delving into its key figures and literary movements, and provides a critical analysis of how these works relate to broader social and psychological themes. Brandes aims to connect literature with the historical and emotional context from which it emerged, guiding readers through the complexities of Romanticism. The opening of the text presents an introduction to the German Romantic School, highlighting the challenges faced by a foreign critic attempting to outline its vastness. Brandes reflects on his position as a Dane, recognizing the depth of knowledge inherent to native scholars while seeking to offer a unique perspective. He sets forth his intention to illuminate the connections between literature and life, paying particular attention to the emotional undercurrents that define this literary movement. Brandes emphasizes that German Romanticism, while a reaction to preceding literary traditions, simultaneously encompasses rich, diverse, and innovative expressions of individuality and psychological depth, a theme that will be further examined in subsequent sections of the work.
Rubén Darío
Los Raros Obras Completas Vol. VI
"Los Raros" by Rubén Darío is a collection of essays and critiques written in the late 19th to early 20th century. This work explores the Symbolist movement, particularly focusing on its impact in America as Darío sought to introduce this artistic style to his continent. Through his reflections on various poets and artists, he celebrates individualism, creativity, and the pursuit of beauty in art, providing a rich context for the literary influences of his time. At the start of the collection, the author presents a prologue reflecting on the evolution of his thoughts over the past twelve years, during which he first encountered Symbolism in France. He acknowledges the passion and admiration he holds for artists like Edgar Allan Poe and Flaubert, while critiquing the prevailing literary trends he finds lacking in depth. The opening portion also discusses key figures in the Symbolist movement, emphasizing the duality of artistic genius against a backdrop of personal struggle, thus setting a tone that invites readers to delve deeper into the world of literary aesthetics and their practitioners as articulated by Darío.
Edoardo Scarfoglio
Il libro di Don Chisciotte
"Il libro di Don Chisciotte" by Edoardo Scarfoglio is a literary work written in the late 19th century. The text appears to explore themes of literature and criticism through the lens of the iconic character Don Quixote, using him as a metaphor for the state of contemporary literary artistry in Italy. Scarfoglio, drawing inspiration from Cervantes' classic, likely seeks to challenge prevailing notions of literary merit and artistic identity. The opening of the book establishes a reflective tone, with the author recounting his return to Rome and subsequent reception by his peers, who mock his critical interpretations of Italian literature. He likens his struggle against the literary establishment to Don Quixote's battles against windmills, suggesting both a sense of idealism and absurdity in his pursuits. Scarfoglio articulates a passionate plea for a renaissance in Italian literature, advocating for a deeper understanding of artistic heritage and a rejection of superficial trends, all while adopting the role of a crusader for artistic integrity akin to Cervantes' beloved knight.
Henry James
Partial Portraits
"Partial Portraits" by Henry James is a collection of literary criticism published in 1888. This influential work gathers James's essays on major English, American, and European writers, exploring their unique artistic visions and techniques. The centerpiece is "The Art of Fiction," James's landmark argument for complete creative freedom in narrative writing. Through penetrating analyses of authors like George Eliot, Maupassant, and Turgenev, James champions each writer's distinctive perspective while establishing fiction's place among the fine arts. His elegant criticism reveals how different novelists view life through their own creative windows.
Horace Barnett Samuel
Modernities
"Modernities" by Horace Barnett Samuel is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This volume presents multifaceted studies of significant figures from the modern movement since the French Revolution, capturing the essence of modernity through their lives and works. The book features various notable personalities including Stendhal, Heine, and Disraeli, elucidating their contributions and the cultural currents of their times. At the start of "Modernities," the author introduces the overarching theme of modernity and its transient nature, emphasizing that the subjects of the essays were at one time emblematic of this spirit. The introductory portions hint at the complex and often contradictory characters of modern figures, specifically focusing on Stendhal as a quintessential intellectual balancing action and thought amidst a backdrop of personal turmoil and societal change. Samuel sketches Stendhal's tumultuous childhood, intellectual pursuits, and evolving views on love and society, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of how such figures navigated and influenced the modern condition.
Joseph Collins
The doctor looks at literature : $b Psychological studies of life and letters
"The Doctor Looks at Literature: Psychological Studies of Life and Letters" by Joseph Collins is a collection of psychological essays written in the early 20th century. This work analyzes various literary figures through the lens of modern psychology, particularly focusing on how psychological concepts manifest in their works and characters. The book is likely intended for readers interested in the intersection of psychology and literature, as it explores how authors like James Joyce and Dostoevsky express complex human behaviors, emotions, and motivations through their writing. At the start of this volume, Collins sets the foundation for a discussion on the role of psychology in fiction, asserting that true understanding of human life is best captured through literature rather than psychological theory alone. He emphasizes that psychology should serve as a tool for writers to better represent the inherent complexities of life instead of replacing the creative instincts that drive their narratives. Through an examination of how authors depict psychological nuances, Collins invites readers to consider the rich interplay between human consciousness and the literary expression of experience, foreshadowing detailed analyses of various renowned writers and their psychological insights throughout the book.
Georg Brandes
Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 3. The Reaction in France
"Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 3. The Reaction in France" by George Brandes is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume is part of a larger six-volume series that explores key literary and philosophical movements during the 19th century, focusing specifically on the intellectual currents post-Revolution in France. The book examines the societal, cultural, and political re-establishment of the principle of authority after the upheaval of the French Revolution, shedding light on the dynamic relationship between literature, thought, and the shifting powers of the church and state. The opening of the book introduces the foundational ideas behind the principle of authority, defined as the reverence for inherited tradition that supports societal structures. Brandes argues that this principle underwent significant challenges and transformations during the Revolution and its aftermath, leading to a complex re-engagement with religious authority. He sets up the historical context by illustrating how various figures, from philosophers to clergy, navigated these changes and the resulting conflict between established norms and the emerging notions of individual liberty and fraternity. Through critical examinations of the Revolution and its literary and political consequences, Brandes aims to reveal how these currents shaped French literature and thought in the 19th century.
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