The Anxiety of Influence: A Theory of Poetry

Name: The Anxiety of Influence: A Theory of Poetry
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Book Synopsis: Harold Bloom's The Anxiety of Influence has cast its own long shadow of influence since it was first published in 1973. Through an insightful study of Romantic poets, Bloom puts forth his central vision of the relations between tradition and the individual artist. Although Bloom was never the leader of any critical "camp," his argument that all literary texts are a response to those that precede them had an enormous impact on the practice of deconstruction and poststructuralist literary theory in this country. The book remains a central work of criticism for all students of literature and has sold over 17,000 copies in paperback since 1984. Written in a moving personal style, anchored by concrete examples, and memorably quotable, Bloom's book maintains that the anxiety of influence cannot be evaded--neither by poets nor by responsible readers and critics. This second edition contains a new Introduction, which explains the genesis of Bloom's thinking and the subsequent influence of the book on literary criticism of the past twenty years.criticism of the past twenty years. Here, Bloom asserts that the anxiety of influence comes out of a complex act of strong misreading, a creative interpretation he calls "poetic misprision." The influence-anxiety does not so much concern the forerunner but rather is an anxiety achieved in and by the story, novel, play, poem, or essay. In other words, without Keats's reading of Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth, we could not have Keats's odes and sonnets and his two Hyperions. Given the enormous attention generated by Bloom's controversial The Western Canon, this new edition is certain to find a readymade audience among the new generation of scholars, students, and layreaders interested in the Bloom cannon.

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Unlock the secrets of literary greatness with Harold Bloom's influential masterpiece, The Anxiety of Influence: A Theory of Poetry. Published in 1973, this ground-breaking work has shaped the field of literary criticism for nearly half a century. Dive into Bloom's insightful study of Romantic poets and discover his groundbreaking vision of the relationship between tradition and the individual artist.

With its powerful impact on deconstruction and poststructuralist theory, The Anxiety of Influence remains a must-read classic for all literature enthusiasts. Over 17,000 copies have been sold since its paperback release in 1984, solidifying its status as an essential work of criticism.

Written in Bloom's captivating personal style, filled with concrete examples and unforgettable quotes, this book delves deep into the concept of the anxiety of influence. Bloom argues that this anxiety is born out of a creative misreading he calls "poetic misprision." It is not merely the concern of the writer, but an anxiety that is woven into the very fabric of the story, novel, play, poem, or essay itself.

With a new introduction in this second edition, Bloom offers a glimpse into the genesis of his thinking and the book's significant influence on literary criticism over the past two decades. As the controversial author of The Western Canon, Bloom's newest edition of The Anxiety of Influence is sure to captivate a new generation of scholars, students, and eager readers who are curious about the inner workings of literary greatness. Don't miss the chance to join the ranks of those who have found inspiration in Bloom's thought-provoking exploration of influence and creativity.

Ready to embark on this intellectual journey? Get your copy of The Anxiety of Influence: A Theory of Poetry today and unlock the secrets that lie at the heart of literary success.

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