12/1/22

4.25 ( )

You will have to stop reacting to some archaic social values of the author to start appreciating and learning from the text. The juxtaposition is all to clear: barbaric societies, barbaric tongues of Europe receiving the light of civilization (which is not wealth but thought) and some grammatic goodness from the Greeks through Romans, enriched and transformed by the latter. There is some sympathetic treatment of women, but generally education is reserved for boys. There are some reservations and empathy, but homosexuality is perversion etc. In 1949 (or earlier?) some nationalistic tendencies seem to be still in vogue; for example, the author does not let Germans off the hook, although there is a clear disclaimer in the end, renouncing all characterization through national identity. The sheer number of artists "produced" by their era, country, society as well as periods and communities "not capable of producing any" etc. is extremely annoying, but all this may be taken just for a manner of speaking. It is fine to treat artists, even the greatest ones, as humans with all the corresponding faults, whims and the like; but sometimes the approach seems to be somewhat excessively judgemental and ad hominem (while, to be sure, still somehow always manages to remain respectful and probably fair).

Nevertheless it's a great book with a huge scope and a staggeringly rich source of information. GH is very particular about clear writing uncluttered by footnotes and scientific layering as well as uncontaminated by professional jargon. In short, here is stimulating, edifying, but enjoyable and very accessible reading. Sometimes the author is even drawn into the poetic realms - which is probably inevitable giving the subject matter - and soars among lofty metaphors and thrilling dramatic allegories.

Especially gratifying is the treatment of the most modern literature at the time; there is still some bafflement in GH's analysis of "Ulysses", delightful respectfulness and light polemic with the living T.S.Eliot and some more such stuff.

A highly recommended slow and/or occasional reading (does anyone do that any more?), but be warned: this will leave your reading list bloated and sore. ( )

One sonnet I thought there would be more of, Sir Philip Sydney's, "Astrophila and Stella, is not discussed. Otherwise, Highet comprehensively surveys the classical tradition in later Western thought.

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