Mirror and Lamp: Romantic Literary Theory and the Tradition of Criticism: Romantic Literary Theory and the Tradition of Criticism

Author: M.H. Abrams
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Mr. Abrams wrote an important work on the history of literary criticism, which represents an outstanding contribution from American academia in this field since the publication of Spingarn's work. The ideas contained in this book are so rich that it holds great value for scholars studying the Romantic movement and the broader field of critical theory. Mr. Abrams has provided us with a fine example of research, conception, and writing, truly admirable. This is an excellent monograph that undoubtedly holds lasting significance for several fields—intellectual history, comparative literature, British literary history, critical theory, and aesthetics. The book primarily discusses poetic theory that emerged in Britain during the first four decades of the 19th century, and also touches on other major art forms. It emphasizes a common trend in criticism, which is why we have specifically chosen to elaborate on "Romantic" criticism; however, I believe this does not mean ignoring the many important differences among these writers. These writers were concerned with the nature of poetry and art—some explored its psychological origins, others studied its structural varieties, some examined its main principles, and others investigated the relationship between poetry or art and other major issues of human concern. Most of the critics discussed in this book are those with unique and enduring insights, rather than mediocre book reviewers, whose influence on readers was often more direct but frequently short-lived.