John Marsden's literary story

Author: John Masefield (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-23
Features: Preface The purpose of writing this book is to introduce readers to literary works that still hold significant value in the world today. What constitutes significant value? This is a question that must be answered by each individual—if he is capable of doing so; on the other hand, this question also depends on a consensus. However, what is called a consensus is not absolute. Why is this? Because importance is relative, and what is referred to as a consensus is an abstract and difficult-to-define concept. In the eyes of many readers, there are countless valuable authors and books, so we admit that many valuable books are not mentioned in this book or are only briefly touched upon. Readers will often find that the important position of a book they love is taken up by another work that they do not think is as good. This is unavoidable, and perhaps, it can even inspire discussions about literature and other arts, adding much pleasant stimulation to the discussants. In this book, the selection, choice, proportion of the works discussed, and all subsequent judgments are the author's personal views. The results will inevitably be biased due to the author's own interests and limited taste. This book is truly my personal and humble opinion, and the knowledgeable will not fail to point out with fairness: what you have written is not so much a "Story of Literature" as "Random Remarks on Some Writers and Their Works." And indeed, that is the case: I have benefited not only from other books, great critics, and professional historians but also from the teachings of my knowledgeable friends. Here, I would like to express special thanks to the following individuals: Dr. Ludwig Loewenstein, Dr. Antonio Calletti, Professor A.H. Reis, Ernest Boyd, Dr. A.T. Barno, Dr. Hendrik van Loon, Bet Samborne, Howard Owen Young, Thomas R. Smith, Manuel Komroff, Hugo Knusson, and others. They pointed out many errors in the manuscript and helped me solve the main problem of this book—what should be included in the history of literature. Chapters 40 and 42, which discuss German literature, are almost entirely the work of Dr. Loewenstein.