Literature, Life, and Modernity

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Aesthetics, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, British
Cover of the book Literature, Life, and Modernity by Richard Eldridge, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard Eldridge ISBN: 9780231515528
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: September 4, 2008
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Richard Eldridge
ISBN: 9780231515528
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: September 4, 2008
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Richard Eldridge explores the ability of dense and formally interesting literature to respond to the complexities of modern life. Beyond simple entertainment, difficult modern works cultivate reflective depth and help their readers order and interpret their lives as subjects in relation to complex economies and technological systems. By imagining themselves in the role of the protagonist or the authorial persona, readers become immersed in structures of sustained attention, under which concrete possibilities of meaningful life, along with difficulties that block their realization, are tracked and clarified.

Literary form, Eldridge argues, generates structures of care, reflection, and investment within readers, shaping-if not stabilizing-their interactions with everyday objects and events. Through the experience of literary forms of attention, readers may come to think and live more actively, more fully engaging with modern life, rather than passively suffering it. Eldridge considers the thought of Descartes, Kant, Adorno, Benjamin, Stanley Cavell, and Charles Taylor in his discussion of Goethe, Wordsworth, Rilke, Stoppard, and Sebald, advancing a philosophy of literature that addresses our desire to read and the meaning and satisfaction that literary attention brings to our fragmented modern lives.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Richard Eldridge explores the ability of dense and formally interesting literature to respond to the complexities of modern life. Beyond simple entertainment, difficult modern works cultivate reflective depth and help their readers order and interpret their lives as subjects in relation to complex economies and technological systems. By imagining themselves in the role of the protagonist or the authorial persona, readers become immersed in structures of sustained attention, under which concrete possibilities of meaningful life, along with difficulties that block their realization, are tracked and clarified.

Literary form, Eldridge argues, generates structures of care, reflection, and investment within readers, shaping-if not stabilizing-their interactions with everyday objects and events. Through the experience of literary forms of attention, readers may come to think and live more actively, more fully engaging with modern life, rather than passively suffering it. Eldridge considers the thought of Descartes, Kant, Adorno, Benjamin, Stanley Cavell, and Charles Taylor in his discussion of Goethe, Wordsworth, Rilke, Stoppard, and Sebald, advancing a philosophy of literature that addresses our desire to read and the meaning and satisfaction that literary attention brings to our fragmented modern lives.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book The Cinema of Christopher Nolan by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Adult Sibling Relationships by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Asia's New Multilateralism by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Invisible Caregivers by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Secularism and Cosmopolitanism by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book The Arab Uprisings Explained by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book The Truth About Girls and Boys by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Political Theology by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Foundations of the American Century by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Korea Between Empires, 1895-1919 by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Inside the Investments of Warren Buffett by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Trash Cinema by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book China's War on Smuggling by Richard Eldridge
Cover of the book Growth and Policy in Developing Countries by Richard Eldridge
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy