Validity in Interpretation

Hirsch, E. D. Jr.

ISBN 10: 0300016921 / ISBN 13: 9780300016925

Published by Yale University Press, 1967

About this Item

287 pages, soft cover. Green paper covers have minor edge wear, with some discoloration on the rear, but they are still clean and bright overall, as are interior pages. Binding is solid. This book brings logic to the most unruly of disciplines, literary interpretation. By demonstrating the uniformity and universality of the principles of valid interpretation of verbal texts of any sort, this closely reasoned examination provides a theoretical foundation for a discipline that is fundamental to virtually all humanistic studies. Previous owner's signature is on the front end page, and some underlining in black pen is present throughout.

Seller Inventory # 34298

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Validity in Interpretation
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 1967
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300016921
• ISBN 13: 9780300016925
• Binding: Softcover
• Edition: 8th Pr.
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

“Here is a book that brings logic to the most unruly of disciplines, literary interpretation. . . . This study is a necessary took for anyone who wants to talk sense about literature.”—Virginia Quarterly Review

By demonstrating the uniformity and universality of the principles of valid interpretation of verbal texts of any sort, this closely reasoned examination provides a theoretical foundation for a discipline that is fundamental to virtually all humanistic studies. It defines the grounds on which textual interpretation can claim to establish objective knowledge, defends that claim against such skeptical attitudes as historicism and psychologism, and shows that many confusions can be avoided if the distinctions between meaning and significance, interpretation and criticism are correctly understood.   

Review

"Here is a book that brings logic to the most unruly of disciplines, literary interpretation. Viewing this subject within the tradition of hermeneutics, Mr. Hirsch is able to trace its origins and development with brilliant insight. The result is a lucidly systemic and authoritative account of the premises and procedures applicable to the interpretation of a literary text. Mr. Hirsch has performed a monumental service thereby that of reinstating the credentials of objectivism and defining the limits of the aesthetics of truth. This study is a necessary took for anyone who wants to talk sense about literature."—Virginia Quarterly Review