Classical Literary Criticism

The Landmarks of Ancient Literary Criticism

This recently updated and expanded volume collects seminal works that have profoundly shaped the history of literary criticism in the Western world. These texts not only created much of the terminology still in use today but also formulated enduring questions about the nature and function of literature.

• Ion by Plato: Plato examines the god-like power of poets to evoke powerful emotions such as pleasure or fear. However, he goes on to attack this manipulation of emotions and ultimately banishes poets from his ideal Republic.
• Poetics by Aristotle: Aristotle defends the value of art and provides an influential analysis of tragedy that has impacted generations of critics, particularly from the Renaissance onwards.
• The Art of Poetry by Horace: Horace promotes a style of poetic craftsmanship rooted in wisdom, ethical insight, and decorum.
• On the Sublime by Longinus: Longinus explores the nature of inspiration in both poetry and prose, delving into the essence of what makes writing truly sublime.