Mr. Matthew Arnold as Critic and Poet (Classic Reprint)

James Willcox Alsop

ISBN 10: 1331691419 / ISBN 13: 9781331691419

Published by Forgotten Books, 2022

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book explores the depths of literary criticism, examining the works of Matthew Arnold as both a poet and a critic. The author highlights Arnold's unique ability to combine critical analysis with creative expression, making his writings both insightful and captivating. The book positions Arnold within the broader context of English literature, demonstrating how his ideas on criticism and poetry shaped the literary landscape of his time. The author delves into Arnold's belief in disinterestment in criticism, his emphasis on the study of the classics, and his controversial stance on the role of religion in society. Through a detailed analysis of Arnold's influential works, including "Essays in Criticism" and "The Study of Celtic Literature," the book unveils Arnold's profound insights into literary form and the human condition. It explores his ideas on the balance between natural magic and moral profundity in poetry, his celebration of Celtic influences in English literature, and his enduring legacy as a critic who sought to elevate the standards of cultural discourse. Ultimately, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of Matthew Arnold's significant contributions to literature and criticism, providing a valuable resource for scholars, literary enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Victorian literary scene and its lasting impact on our understanding of literature and culture. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781331691419_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mr. Matthew Arnold as Critic and Poet (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1331691419
• ISBN 13: 9781331691419
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Essays

About this title

Synopsis

A thoughtful examination of Matthew Arnold as both critic and poet, drawn from an 1878 lecture.

This book presents a clear account of how Arnold blends creative imagination with rigorous critical thought, arguing that his poetry and prose illuminate each other rather than compete.

It frames Arnold’s career by tracing his major prose works and the evolving reception of his ideas. Readers will see how the author situates Arnold among English writers who bridged criticism and poetry, and how his approach shaped the study of literature and culture in his time and beyond.

• Explains Arnold’s goal of uniting criticism with poetry, and how this balance informs his overall contribution.
• Highlights key works such as Essays in Criticism, The Study of Celtic Literature, and Culture and Anarchy, along with his later theological writings.
• Describes the author’s view of Arnold’s style, method, and enduring influence on literary criticism.
• Offers context for why Arnold’s criticism is considered both influential and controversial, with emphasis on testable ideas rather than rhetoric.

Ideal for readers of Victorian literature and criticism who want a concise, accessible overview of Arnold’s dual legacy in poetry and criticism.