On Literature / Edition 1

by J. Hillis Miller

Overview

Debates rage over what kind of literature we should read, what is good and bad literature, and whether in the global, digital age, literature even has a future. But what exactly is literature? Why should we read literature? How do we read literature? These are some of the important questions J. Hillis Miller answers in this beautifully written and passionate book. He begins by asking what literature is, arguing that the answer lies in literature's ability to create an imaginary world simply with words. On Literature also asks the crucial question of why literature has such authority over us. Returning to Plato, Aristotle and the Bible, Miller argues we should continue to read literature because it is part of our basic human need to create imaginary worlds and to have stories. Above all, On Literature is a plea that we continue to read and care about literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415261258
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/21/2002
Series:	Thinking in Action
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 7.81(h) x (d)

About the Author

Hillis Miller

Table of Contents

1. What is Literature? 2. Literature as Virtual Reality 3. The Secret of Literature 4. Why Read Literature? 5. How to Read Literature?