What should criticism do in modern life?
It should seek and share the best ideas from around the world to guide readers today. Criticism, in this collection, argues for a disinterested effort to learn what is true and thought in the world. It emphasizes keeping a wide view—drawing on foreign thought and broad knowledge—so readers can judge current literature with clarity and fairness. The aim is not to police taste, but to illuminate genuine achievement and to help criticism grow with the times while staying rooted in lasting standards.
- Learn why criticism should pursue fresh knowledge and how it shapes our understanding of literature.
- Discover how cross‑cultural ideas can enrich reading and judgment.
- See how discerning taste combines truth, form, and the art of expression.
- Explore the balance between judgment and exploration in shaping a vibrant literary culture.
Ideal for readers seeking clear, thoughtful essays on literature, culture, and the work of criticism itself.
Renowned English poet and critic, Arnold was a leading literary figure of the Victorian Period. He is regarded by many as the link between the Romantic and the Modern Age.