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Originally published in 1921 this volume consists of the first of Croce's literary criticisms to be published in English and as well as a section on Shakespeare, it contains unique essays on Ariosto and Corneille which together inaugurated a new era in literary criticism. The essays are based on Croce's Theory of Aesthetic - a theory which to many is the only one that completely explains the problem of poetry and the fine arts - and as a result are profound and suggestive.
List of contents
Part 1: Ludovico Ariosto 1. A Critical Problem 2. The Life of the Affections in Ariosto, and the Heart of His Heart 3. The Highest Love: Harmony 4. The Material for the Harmony 5. The Realisation of Harmony 6. Historical Disassociations Part 2: William Shakespeare 7. The Practical Personality 8. Shakespearean Sentiment 9. Motives and Development of Shakespeare’s Poetry 10. The Art of Shakespeare 11. Shakespearean Criticism 12. Shakespeare and Ourselves Part 3: Pierre Corneille 13. Criticism of the Criticism 14. The Ideal of Corneille 15. The Mechanism of the Cornelian Tragedy 16. The Poetry of Corneille
About the author
Benedetto Croce was an Italian philosopher, historian, and politician born on February 25, 1866, in Pescasseroli, Italy. Renowned for his work in philosophy, historiography, and aesthetics, Croce was a key figure in the development of idealism and made significant contributions to the philosophy of history. He believed that historical knowledge is shaped by contemporary thought and that history is not merely the recounting of past events but an ongoing process of interpretation. Croce's political views were rooted in liberalism, and he formulated a distinction between liberalism and "liberism," emphasizing individual liberty and democratic values. His works span various fields, influencing both intellectual thought and political discourse in Italy and beyond. Croce was influenced by figures such as Giovanni Gentile and Karl Marx, though he diverged in his approach to philosophy and politics. He had a notable family life, being married to Adele Rossi in 1914 and fathering several children, including Lidia Croce and Alda Croce. Croce passed away on November 20, 1952, in Naples, Italy, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent philosopher and historian who shaped 20th-century thought.
Summary
Originally published in 1921 this volume consists of the first of Croce’s literary criticisms to be published in English and as well as a section on Shakespeare, it contains unique essays on Ariosto and Corneille which together inaugurated a new era in literary criticism. The essays are based on Croce’s Theory of Aesthetic - a theory which to many is the only one that completely explains the problem of poetry and the fine arts - and as a result are profound and suggestive.
