205 Results with the "Literary" genre
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GERARD DE NERVAL
In this letter addressed to Miss Girton of Cambridge, the writer delves into the appeal and enigmatic allure of Gerard de Nerval, a figure somewhat reserved for a more discerning, perhaps male, audience. Not due to any impropriety, but rather Nerval's intricate expression of unorthodox sentiment and love, diverging significantly from the conventional. The comparison between Nerval and Edgar Allan Poe illustrates this point, highlighting a shared penchant for the ethereal and ideal over the tangible,…-
39.9 K • Ongoing
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ON VERS DE SOCIETE
In "On Vers De Société," addressed to Mr. Gifted Hopkins, the chapter dissects the art and history of light verse, specifically within societal and courtly contexts. The ancient Greeks and Romans are initially dismissed for their lack of societal structure conducive to the creation of sociable verses, highlighting the absence of women in social equality. The narrative transitions to the emergence of court life in France as the inception point for this style of verse, crediting figures like Charles…-
39.9 K • Ongoing
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OF VERS DE SOCIETE
In the letter "Of Vers De Societe" addressed to Mr. Gifted Hopkins, the writer critiques Hopkins's poem "To Delia in Girton," advising against his attempt at society verses, highlighting the challenge of this genre even for the ancients who excelled in other poetic forms. The writer navigates through historical and cultural contexts, from Theocritus's AEolic verses, emblematic of tasteful gift-giving and unobtrusive flattery, to the limitations observed in Roman and Greek poetry, where societal norms…-
39.9 K • Ongoing
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ROCHEFOUCAULD
In a letter to Lady Violet Lebas, the author expresses mixed feelings about Rochefoucauld's "Reflexions, ou Sentences et Maximes Morales." He suggests that the maxims, while insightful, can become overwhelming due to their sheer number and the cynicism they project about human nature. The author contrasts Rochefoucauld's observations on self-love, vanity, and human motives with his own experiences and beliefs, arguing for a more nuanced view of human actions that includes genuine affection and…-
39.9 K • Ongoing
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TO A YOUNG AMERICAN BOOK-HUNTER
To Philip Dodsworth, Esq., in New York, the author addresses his experiences and advice on the pursuit of book-hunting, congratulating Dodsworth on joining this passionate quest. He begins by evoking the sentimentality and solitude that comes with the love for books, referencing Thomas e Kempis and the comfort found in reading. Despite offering advice, the author humorously acknowledges that like many enthusiasts, Dodsworth may not strictly follow it, highlighting the eager but often haphazard nature of…-
39.9 K • Ongoing
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LUCRETIUS
To the Rev. Geoffrey Martin, Oxford, the letter delves into the intriguing aspect of how the religious beliefs of ancient Greece and Rome provided comfort or solace to individuals, a topic that remains largely unexplored in modern discourse. This curiosity is framed within the context of understanding the personal and emotional connection individuals of antiquity might have had with their Gods, considering the detailed knowledge we possess about their rituals, mythology, and deities yet knowing so little…-
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PLOTINUS (A.D. 200-262)
Letters on Literature by Andrew Lang presents an engaging letter addressed to Lady Violet Lebas, wherein Lang embarks on a descriptive journey into the life and philosophy of Plotinus, the Egyptian philosopher born around 200 A.D. in Lycopolis, Egypt. The letter draws an intriguing parallel between Plotinus and the English literary giant, Dr. Samuel Johnson, highlighting their shared traits of laziness paired with moments of energetic brilliance, short-sightedness (both literal and metaphorical), and a…-
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AUCASSIN AND NICOLETTE
To Lady Violet Lebas, this letter introduces "Aucassin et Nicolette," a novel that perplexes with its ancient French, far removed from the familiar parlance taught in schools. Authored around the twelfth century's close in Picardy, it flourishes in a blend of verse and prose, a format reminiscent of the "Chanson de Roland," where verses are unified by assonance rather than rhyme. The anonymous author, an elder likely bearing warmth and a touch of weariness, presents a tale rich in youthful ardor and…-
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ON VIRGIL
In the letter to Lady Violet Lebas, the author delves into a personal and reflective discussion on the appreciation of literature, specifically focusing on Virgil. Initially, the letter highlights a resistance to conforming tastes to critical acclaim, using personal disinterest in renowned authors like Gibbon, Racine, Wordsworth, and Amiel as examples to argue for a more natural, spontaneous appreciation of art. This prelude serves as a foundation for the main subject: Virgil, whose work, despite not…-
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A FRIEND OF KEATS
In the chapter from "Letters on Literature," the focus is on a somewhat lesser-known figure in literature, Mr. Reynolds, who was a contemporary of John Keats, the famous Romantic poet. The author laments Reynolds's obscurity, particularly his poetry, and embarks on a quest to bring some of his works to light. Reynolds's initial publication drew a "careless good word" from Lord Byron but is noted most prominently for "The Fancy," a collection that includes a fictional memoir of Peter Corcoran, a character…-
39.9 K • Ongoing
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