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Literary Genius: 25 Classic Writers Who Define English & American Literature

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Epstein has limited his collection to a few "literary" geniuses, but his introduction discusses elements and definitions of genius that apply to other of the sciences and arts. He quotes Melville: "Genius, all over the world, stands hand in hand, and one shock of recognition runs the whole circle round." Epstein--or someone--chose Barry Moser to do the illustrations for the book. I suggest that one cannot look at Moser's exquisite wood engravings--in this book and in the myriad other volumes he has illustrated--without seeing, feeling, knowing Melville's "shock of recognition." Even if you are not a fan of "Literary Genius"-es, pick up this book and wallow in the "genius" of the illustrations and the man who created them.

Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Faulkner--all are commonly accepted as four of the greatest writers in the English language. These, and other outstanding writers are analyzed in "Literary Genius: 25 Classic Writers Who Define English & American Literature."

The goal of this collection is to give readers fresh insight into what makes them literary geniuses, with 25 esteemed contemporary authors and critics such as Reynolds Price, Anthony Hecht, and others each contributing an essay about a classic author and his (or her) enduring works.

"'Surely the indisputable literary genius," writes Editor Joseph Epstein, "is William Shakespeare." In addition to an essay on Shakespeare, the book includes essays on three favorite writers of mine: Mark Twain, Robert Frost, and William Faulkner. Alas, another favorite, Edgar Allan Poe, is not included.

Epstein points out a key component of literary genius--a key trait that unites each of the 25 subjects in this book: "Style, it needs to be understood, is never ornamentation or a matter of choice of vocabulary or amusing linguistic tics or mannerisms. Style, in serious writing, is a way of seeing, and literary geniuses . . . see things in a vastly different way than the rest of us."

In other words, the literary genius expands our consciousness and intensifies our awareness, helping us "see in a way that would never have been possible for us to do on our own." Our horizons are broadened; our universe is enlarged.

The ancient Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca (ca. 4 B.C.-A.D. 65) wrote, "There is no great genius without a touch [some translations have "tincture"] of genius." Seneca may or may not be correct, but if he is then these literary genuises possessed a "divine" and beautiful madness that stimulates our imagination and enriches our lives.

This is a marvelous reference to so many masterpieces that every book shelf should have it. The selections are excellent,though one wishes there could have been even more, and the articles are well written. Highly recommended.

These essays are wonderful introductions to the works of giants. Structual in their approach; none attempt to stray beyond the boundaries and only occasionally spend too much time brooding upon biographical references. If criticism is a gateway to talent, then this book is essential to any newcomer, writer, or teacher of literature.

I bought this book to add to my collection of "books about books". It is much more about the authors than the great books they wrote. I find it interesting, but not as useful as the Dirda books that I own. This book gives insight into the genius behind the books, but I prefer essays, like those of Michael Dirda, that entice and enlighten a little more about the books themselves. I will keep this book, but it will be at the back of the bookshelf, behind "Classics for Pleasure", "Bound to Please", and other great reference books like "501 Must-Read Books" edited by Emma Beare. This one is fine, but know that you are reading about the authors themselves, not so much about the actual books they wrote.