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Cover of A history of criticism and literary taste in Europe, from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 1 (of 3), Classical and mediæval criticism

A history of criticism and literary taste in Europe, from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 1 (of 3), Classical and mediæval criticism

Written by George Saintsbury

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LiteratureCriticismLiterature, Medieval

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About this book

"A History of Criticism and Literary Taste in Europe" by George Saintsbury is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This comprehensive work aims to explore the evolution of literary criticism from its classical origins to the modern era, detailing the thoughts and contributions of notable literary figures. The book likely addresses key developments in literary taste and criticism, organized into multiple volumes. The opening of the work sets the stage for a thorough examination of literary criticism, emphasizing the importance of focusing on primary texts rather than secondary interpretations. Saintsbury introduces the concept of literary criticism as an essential evaluative function, one that seeks to determine the qualities that make literature effective and enjoyable. He outlines his intent to address this complex subject in a methodical manner, laying a foundation for subsequent chapters that will delve into Greek, Roman, and Medieval criticism, thereby framing the historical context of literary taste throughout Europe.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A history of criticism and literary taste in Europe, from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 1 (of 3), Classical and mediæval criticism, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Scholarly
  • Analytical
  • Historical

George Saintsbury's "A History of Criticism and Literary Taste in Europe, Volume 1: Classical and Mediæval Criticism" is the foundational installment of a monumental early 20th-century scholarly endeavor. It meticulously traces the origins and evolution of literary criticism and aesthetic judgment from ancient Greece through the Roman Empire and into the medieval period. Saintsbury emphasizes a direct engagement with primary texts, aiming to present a comprehensive, chronological account of how literary evaluation developed across Europe. The volume establishes the framework for understanding critical principles, literary taste, and their interplay, setting the stage for subsequent volumes that would continue this historical journey into later eras.

“"The proper study of criticism is the critic, and his proper subject is literature."”

Key themes

The Evolution of Critical Principles
This is the overarching theme of the entire work. Saintsbury meticulously traces how the fundamental questions of literary judgment—what makes literature good, what is its purpose, how should it be structured—have been asked and answered differently across various historical periods, from ancient Greek philosophy to medieval scholasticism.
The Interplay of Criticism and Taste
Saintsbury explores the complex relationship between formal, systematic 'criticism' (the analytical framework) and more subjective, culturally determined 'taste' (the collective aesthetic preference of an era). He shows how these two forces mutually influence each other and shape the reception and production of literature.
The Role of the Critic
The book implicitly and explicitly examines how the function and authority of the literary critic have been perceived throughout history. From the philosopher-critic to the rhetorician-teacher, and later the grammarian-commentator, Saintsbury illustrates the changing responsibilities and influence of those who evaluate literature.

Worth discussing

How does Saintsbury's definition of 'criticism' and 'literary taste' in the introduction inform his subsequent analysis of classical and medieval periods?

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