The Classic: Literary Images of Permanence and Change by Frank Kermode
Frank Kermode attempts to determine the criteria for classical literature through an analysis of the social and intellectual importance of great works of the past.
The Classic
Summary
Frank Kermode attempts to determine the criteria for classical literature through an analysis of the social and intellectual importance of great works of the past.
The Classic Summary
The Classic Reviews
The subtitle...modestly describes the tensions that generate the remarkable energy of this highly original study. The old conception of classic, Kermode argues, is tied to Virgilian attitudes of empire and eternity; the modern use of the term embraces change, plurality and secularization. The Classic brilliantly mediates between the two views of literature and culture... This closely argued and clearly articulated essay rests on formidable learning. -- George Core * The New Republic *
Kermode has one of the finest minds in contemporary criticism, and there is nothing that he touches that he does not in some unexpected way-to use some of his own terms-translate, renovate, eternalize. -- Robert Gorham Davis * Commonweal *
Taking as his central concept 'the classic,' the literary work we speak of as enduring, Kermode asks how a text can retain its identity as its time-bound readers change... The Classic is an enormously suggestive book, elegant and accessible. * Yale Review *
Kermode is one of the rare critics and scholars-it is in any case uncommon to be both-who offer a new and unusual insight on whatever author or topic they turn to. * New Statesman *
Kermode has one of the finest minds in contemporary criticism, and there is nothing that he touches that he does not in some unexpected way-to use some of his own terms-translate, renovate, eternalize. -- Robert Gorham Davis * Commonweal *
Taking as his central concept 'the classic,' the literary work we speak of as enduring, Kermode asks how a text can retain its identity as its time-bound readers change... The Classic is an enormously suggestive book, elegant and accessible. * Yale Review *
Kermode is one of the rare critics and scholars-it is in any case uncommon to be both-who offer a new and unusual insight on whatever author or topic they turn to. * New Statesman *
About Frank Kermode
Sir (John) Frank Kermode was Julian Clarence Levi Professor of English Literature, Emeritus, at Columbia University and a Fellow of King's College, University of Cambridge. He was instrumental in the 1979 founding of the London Review of Books and was knighted in 1991 for his service to literature.
Table of Contents
1. tantum alias inter caput extulit urbes, quantum lenta solent inter viburna cupressi 2. urbem, quam dicunt Romam...putavi...huic nostrae similem... 3. magnus ab integro saeclorum nascitur ordo 4. atgue hic ingentem comitum adfluxisse novorum invenio admirans numerum...
Additional information
GOR008178098
9780674133983
0674133986
The Classic: Literary Images of Permanence and Change by Frank Kermode
Used - Good
Paperback
Harvard University Press
19830901
142
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us