Before Was Critic Was Human Being: A Journey Through the History of Criticism

By Mark Edmundson

What is criticism? Is it simply a matter of finding fault? Or is it something more complex and nuanced? In his book Before Was Critic Was Human Being, Mark Edmundson takes readers on a journey through the history of criticism, from its origins in ancient Greece to its modern manifestations. Along the way, he explores the different ways that we have understood and evaluated art, literature, and culture.

Edmundson argues that criticism is not simply a matter of finding fault, but rather a complex and nuanced process that can help us to understand the world around us better. Good criticism, he says, is not about tearing something down, but about helping us to see it more clearly. It is about helping us to understand the intentions of the artist or author, and to appreciate the work on its own terms.

Before I Was a Critic I Was a Human Being

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	979 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	145 pages
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Edmundson traces the history of criticism from its origins in ancient Greece, where it was seen as a way to help people make better judgments about art and literature. In the Middle Ages, criticism was used to defend the Christian faith and to promote moral values. During the Renaissance, criticism became more focused on the individual artist or author, and on the work's aesthetic qualities.

In the 18th century, criticism began to take on a more scientific approach, with critics seeking to establish objective standards for judging works of art. In the 19th century, criticism became more subjective, with critics focusing on their own personal responses to works of art. In the 20th century, criticism became even more fragmented, with the rise of new critical theories and approaches.

Edmundson concludes his book by arguing that criticism is more important than ever in today's world. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and images, we need criticism to help us make sense of it all. Good criticism can help us to see the world more clearly, to understand the intentions of others, and to make better judgments about the things that matter to us.

Praise for Before Was Critic Was Human Being

"A brilliant and wide-ranging history of criticism, from its origins in ancient Greece to its modern manifestations. Edmundson is a master of his subject, and he writes with wit, clarity, and passion. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of ideas, the nature of criticism, or the human condition." —Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct and Enlightenment Now

"Edmundson has written a book that is both erudite and accessible, both timely and timeless. Before Was Critic Was Human Being is a major contribution to the literature of criticism, and it is sure to be a classic for years to come." —James Wood, author of The Nearest Thing to Life and How Fiction Works

"Edmundson's book is a tour de force. It is a comprehensive and engaging history of criticism, and it is also a brilliant meditation on the nature of human understanding. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the human condition." —Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, author of Plato at the Googleplex and Betraying Spinoza

To learn more about Before Was Critic Was Human Being, visit the author's website at www.markedmundson.com.

Before I Was a Critic I Was a Human Being

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	979 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	145 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE