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Literature

Why It Matters
By Robert Eaglestone
Series: Why It Matters
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Literature, Robert Eaglestone explores the elusive nature of literature and its study, arguing that its open-endedness is its greatest strength. Far from being mere facts, literature invites readers into a living conversation spanning millennia, from Sappho to modern video games like Skyrim. This transformative experience turns readers into critics, encouraging deeper reflection on society and self.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3599
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for advanced literature students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the deeper significance and impact of literary studies.

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"Despite centuries of arguments, no one can agree on what literature is, or how to study it. But, argues Eaglestone, it is precisely the open-ended nature of literature that makes it such a rewarding and useful subject of study. Literature is a living conversation which provides endless opportunities to rethink and reinterpret our world"--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

‘Facts alone are wanted in life,’ exclaims Mr Gradgrind at the beginning of Dickens’ Hard Times. Literature is not about facts alone, and – despite two and a half thousand years of arguments – no one can agree on what it is, or how to study it. But, argues Robert Eaglestone, it is precisely the open-ended nature of literature that makes it such a rewarding and useful subject.

Eaglestone shows that studying literature can change who you are, turning you from a ‘reader’ into a ‘critic’: someone attuned to the ways we make meaning in our world. Literature is a living conversation which provides endless opportunities to rethink and reinterpret our societies and ourselves. With examples ranging from Sappho to Skyrim, this book shows how literature offers freer and deeper ways of thinking and being.

Series: Why It Matters

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  • Literature
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    ‘Facts alone are wanted in life,’ exclaims Mr Gradgrind at the beginning of Dickens’ Hard Times. Literature is not about facts alone, and – despite two and a half thousand years of arguments – no one can agree on what it is, or how to study it. But, argues Robert Eaglestone, it is precisely the open-ended nature of literature that...
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    We constantly disagree with each other on issues of fundamental importance. Does God exist? Should the latest scientific findings be trusted? Are there innate psychological differences between men and women? In four lively chapters, Beebee and Rush explain philosophy’s role in addressing such questions. They consider what it means to be human, how we should engage in public debate, philosophy’s...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Barbara Bleiman praises the book as a ground-breaking, essential read for advanced literature students and teachers, highlighting its clarity and enjoyment. Marina Warner lauds Eaglestone’s lucid defence of literary studies as an inspiring conversation that shapes values and offers pleasure. Michael Wood finds it a lively, persuasive manifesto that makes a compelling case for the enduring value of literature.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509532322

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 January 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 185.0mm

Weight: 159g

Pages: 160

Collections

Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Robert Eaglestone Series: Why It Matters

About the Author

Robert Eaglestone is Professor of Contemporary Literature and Thought at Royal Holloway, University of London.

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