Letters on Literature: Exploring the Depths of Literary Insight and Analysis

Andrew Lang

Dec 2019 · Good Press

About this ebook

Andrew Lang's 'Letters on Literature' is a collection of insightful and thought-provoking essays that delve into various aspects of literary works, authors, and genres. Lang's engaging writing style and keen literary analysis make this book a must-read for literature enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the literary world. With references to classic works and contemporary writers, 'Letters on Literature' opens up discussions on themes, symbolism, and character development in a wide range of texts. Lang's ability to navigate complex literary concepts with clarity and wit sets this collection apart in the literary criticism genre. Andrew Lang, a prolific Scottish writer and critic, was known for his wide-ranging interests in literature, folklore, and mythology. His expertise and passion for storytelling shine through in 'Letters on Literature', as he brings a fresh perspective to familiar works and introduces readers to lesser-known gems. Lang's lifelong dedication to the written word is evident in his meticulous scholarship and profound love for literature. Recommended for avid readers and students of literature, 'Letters on Literature' offers a rich tapestry of literary analysis and critical insights that will inspire and captivate anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

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About the author

Andrew Lang's activities extended far beyond folklore. He was a historian, poet, journalist, translator, and anthropologist, in connection with his work on literary texts. Lang was born at Selkirk in Scotland and was educated at Edinburgh Academy, St. Andrews University, and Balliol College, Oxford University, becoming a fellow at Merton College. His poetry includes Ballads and Lyrics of Old France (1872), Ballades in Blue China (1880--81), and Grass of Parnassus (1888--92). His anthropology and his defense of the value of folklore as the basis of religion---his most influential work---is expressed in Custom and Myth (1884), Myth, Ritual and Religion (1887), and The Making of Religion (1898). He also translated Homer and critiqued James G. Frazer's views of mythology as expressed in The Golden Bough. He was considered a good historian, with a readable narrative style and knowledge of the original sources (e.g., History of Scotland [1900--7], James VI and the Gowrie Mystery [1902], and Sir George Mackenzie [1909]). In addition, he wrote some novels, not well thought of today; however, his critiques of contemporary novels are still highly regarded. Lang's popularity was established with his collections of "Fairy" books, which were always titled with a color, such as The Blue Fairy Book. These books preserved and handed down many of the better-known folk tales from the time; however, his use of the term "fairy" to cover all kinds of folk tales continues to plague scholars, who generally distinguish between the terms "fairy" and "folk," judging fairy tales to be more of a fanciful creation and less grounded in cultural experiences, customs, and beliefs.