French modern critic master

Author: Owen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-11-01
Features: The 18th and 19th centuries saw intense conflict between realism and romanticism in the European art world. During this period, France, at the center of the conflict and one of the birthplaces of the romantic literary movement, experienced unprecedented intellectual activity and a flourishing of criticism. The author skillfully employs rich historical materials to introduce the most renowned critics of the time with vivid and incisive writing. These include: Madame de Sta?l, who "chose society over nature and solitude"; Joubert, who "did not like pure realism"; Chateaubriand, who "dominated modern French literature"; and Sainte-Beuve, who "excelled among 'at least ten literary movements and explorations'." Not only does the book describe the life, work, and habits of these masters, but it also critiques their critical styles and their origins. Furthermore, it provides a profound analysis of the impact of their criticism on the literary trends of France and Europe at the time, and to some extent, examines the influence of their criticism on the political and religious intellectual transformations in France and Europe.