Writers and Philosophers: A Sourcebook of Philosophical Influences on Literature

(Hardback)

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This book provides students of literature with a resource that gives them guidance to the philosophical influences on literary criticism and literary figures. Its goal is to lead students to a greater understanding of concepts with which they may have some familiarity. The writers chosen are those whose works most commonly appear in literature anthologies. The text describes major philosophical influences reflected in their writings as well as references to philosophical works that are known to have played a part in their intellectual and aesthetic development. This volume is a source of philosophical influences in fiction, poetry and drama. The entries on 123 writers, arranged in alphabetical order, are supplemented by a section of brief bio-bibliographical profiles of more than 75 relevant philosophers and a glossary of philosophical terms, concepts and movements. Following each author study is a selected bibliography of suggested sources for further reading. The book ends with a list of general sources on literary theory and philosophy, stressing their interrelationships. A cross-referencing system is provided for the convenience of readers. Symbols within the entries guide the reader to entries in the philosopher section, the glossary, and to other author entries.

Reviews

For academic libraries this will be a handy companion to the many bio-critical reference sources on writers.-Wilson Library Bulletin
In the main section of this work, one-page essays on 123 Western writers--selected for their prevalence in anthologies and college curricula--identify philosophers and philosophical movements that influenced them and their writings. Each essay notes the origin of the influence, evaluates its strength, and cites pertinent sources. A system of asterisks refers readers to separate sections describing the philosophers and movements. Thus the book also provides a capsule history of Western philosophy, though its main purpose is to help beginning and advanced students trace and understand philosophical influences on writers ranging from Milton and Swift to Rand and Auden.-Preview
"For academic libraries this will be a handy companion to the many bio-critical reference sources on writers."-Wilson Library Bulletin
"In the main section of this work, one-page essays on 123 Western writers--selected for their prevalence in anthologies and college curricula--identify philosophers and philosophical movements that influenced them and their writings. Each essay notes the origin of the influence, evaluates its strength, and cites pertinent sources. A system of asterisks refers readers to separate sections describing the philosophers and movements. Thus the book also provides a capsule history of Western philosophy, though its main purpose is to help beginning and advanced students trace and understand philosophical influences on writers ranging from Milton and Swift to Rand and Auden."-Preview

Author Bio

EDMUND J. THOMAS is Professor of English and Philosophy at Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, New York. He is also the author of College Prep Reader. EUGENE G. MILLER is Associate Professor of English at Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, New York.