C. Lewis
Published: 2016-10-28
Total Pages: 154
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In his brilliant essay on "The Personal Heresy in Criticism" C.S. Lewis attacked the widely held belief that poetry is, or should be, the expression of the poet's personality. His attempt to supplant this assumption with an objective or impersonal theory of poetry was challenged by Dr. E. M. W. Tillyard whose interpretation of "Paradise Lost" he had called in question. So began a courteous but searching series of exchanges between two of the most learned and original scholar-critics of the day. This controversy sheds invaluable light on a problem as complex as it is central to the understanding and appreciation of poetry.Dr. E. M. W. Tillyard, who died in 1962, was for fourteen years Master of Jesus College, Cambridge, and author of many works of literary criticism. These include Milton, Shakespeare's Last Plays, The Miltonic Setting, Shakespeare's Historic Plays, Shakespeare's Problem Plays, and studies in Milton.Professor C. S. Lewis was Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge from 1954 until his death in 1963. One of the most versatile authors, his writings include not only such standard works as The Allegory of Love and English Literature in the Sixteenth Century, but his books of Christian apologetic (The Problem of Pain, The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity), his autobiography, and books for children which have made him well known to a wide and admiring public.