Good insight - Johnson's impact on literary criticism, and the way we view literature in English, never ceases to amaze.
A thought I had as I read your piece; while the fantastic and unreal are extremely popular in modern fiction, overwhelmingly most are still structurally realist. Even if the subject matter is unrealistic, the style is often not unsimilar to that found in domestic or 'literary' fiction (problematic as the latter term is).
This is such an interesting and insightful read! Johnson is one of my favorite writers and critics, and I love the way you point out that realistic fiction is a relatively recent invention! I myself have always felt drawn to writing the "old kind" and have started trying to branch out into the new kind. Thanks for sharing!
Yes. It does seem like the fantastical, not the realistic, is the default mode of storytelling in most cultures and at most times. Johnson was an incredible writer, a poet, a critic, a linguist, and possibly London's all-time best person to have a pint at the local pub with.
Would highly recommend reading Johnson's own writing.
And of course he was also the subject of one of the most famous biographies ever written.
I spent a year (a few years ago) reading Boswell's Life of Johnson bit by bit, a few pages every day. It was one of the great reading experiences of my life.
Thought that's Hume on the thumbnail, good read!
Good insight - Johnson's impact on literary criticism, and the way we view literature in English, never ceases to amaze.
A thought I had as I read your piece; while the fantastic and unreal are extremely popular in modern fiction, overwhelmingly most are still structurally realist. Even if the subject matter is unrealistic, the style is often not unsimilar to that found in domestic or 'literary' fiction (problematic as the latter term is).
A good point.
Excellent insights from the Great Cham!
An author I find myself continually returning to.
This is such an interesting and insightful read! Johnson is one of my favorite writers and critics, and I love the way you point out that realistic fiction is a relatively recent invention! I myself have always felt drawn to writing the "old kind" and have started trying to branch out into the new kind. Thanks for sharing!
Yes. It does seem like the fantastical, not the realistic, is the default mode of storytelling in most cultures and at most times. Johnson was an incredible writer, a poet, a critic, a linguist, and possibly London's all-time best person to have a pint at the local pub with.
Enjoyed reading this, Robert, thanks!
What an interesting history to bring to light for us readers. Thank you Robert!
Would highly recommend reading Johnson's own writing.
And of course he was also the subject of one of the most famous biographies ever written.
I spent a year (a few years ago) reading Boswell's Life of Johnson bit by bit, a few pages every day. It was one of the great reading experiences of my life.