I think the best way(for me) to understand a work of literature is by reading the author's shorter works viz. short stories, essays, letters etc. For me, the author's work trumps criticism. Criticism seems to concentrate on all but the joy and beauty of the written word and the bond it establishes between the story or novel and the reader.
I think that is true of much that passes for criticism, Joe, but there is also criticism that undertakes to explain works and one's experience of them. Call it appreciation. This can be quite exhilarating.
Patrick Kurp had commented so eloquently: "...This grad student and others I have met treated books as an annoyingly necessary addendum to the real subject, which was their favorite brand of politics masquerading as criticism."
My comment was in response to this type of criticism. When I think of "exhilarating criticism the names of Guy Davenport, Eric Ormsby come to mind immediatedly.
The value of this blog as well as Anecdotal Evidence for me is that Patrick and you,Frank, convey for me a love of books and an "appreciation" for books that make me want to read the books you guys recommend.
If it's of any interest, I recommend Joseph Frank's superb Dostoevsky biography of several volumes, especially for his superb criticism and information which only adds to the depth of one's appreciation of the great works. Though I admit to being extremely under-nourished when it comes to lit criticism. When there's so many books out there, my attention tends to go in other directions.
I think the best way(for me) to understand a work of literature is by reading the author's shorter works viz. short stories, essays, letters etc. For me, the author's work trumps criticism. Criticism seems to concentrate on all but the joy and beauty of the written word and the bond it establishes between the story or novel and the reader.
ReplyDeleteI think that is true of much that passes for criticism, Joe, but there is also criticism that undertakes to explain works and one's experience of them. Call it appreciation. This can be quite exhilarating.
ReplyDeleteDear Frank,
ReplyDeletePatrick Kurp had commented so eloquently: "...This grad student and others I have met treated books as an annoyingly necessary addendum to the real subject, which was their favorite brand of politics masquerading as criticism."
My comment was in response to this type of criticism. When I think of "exhilarating criticism the names of Guy Davenport, Eric Ormsby come to mind immediatedly.
The value of this blog as well as Anecdotal Evidence for me is that Patrick and you,Frank, convey for me a love of books and an "appreciation" for books that make me want to read the books you guys recommend.
Mea culpa, Joe
If it's of any interest, I recommend Joseph Frank's superb Dostoevsky biography of several volumes, especially for his superb criticism and information which only adds to the depth of one's appreciation of the great works. Though I admit to being extremely under-nourished when it comes to lit criticism. When there's so many books out there, my attention tends to go in other directions.
ReplyDelete