Literary Taste
๐ About This Book
"[...]yourself on somebody. You were drawn towards the whole of the rest of the human race. Mark the effect of your mood and utterance on your faithful friend. He knew that she was not a miracle. No other person could have made him believe that she was a miracle. But you, by the force and sincerity of your own vision of her, and by the fervour of your desire to make him participate in your vision, did for quite a long time cause him to feel that he had been blind to the miracle of that girl. You were producing literature. You were alive. Your eyes were unlidded, your ears were unstopped, to some part of the beauty and the strangeness of the world; and a strong instinct within you forced you to tell [...]".
๐ Summary
Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste is a concise yet deeply engaging work of general non-fiction that explores the nature of literature, how to recognize true artistic greatness, and how to cultivate a personal appreciation for the written word. Spanning seventy pages, the book serves as a passionate guide for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of what makes literature truly alive and transformative. Bennett argues that the appreciation of literature is not an exclusive academic privilege, but an accessible, vital human experience available to anyone willing to open their eyes and ears to the beauty and strangeness of the world. At the heart of Bennett's philosophy is the idea that true literature is born from genuine vision, sincerity, and a strong instinct to communicate profound human truths. When a writer or even an ordinary individual expresses a genuine, unforced experience with intense fervor, they manage to draw others into their unique perspective. Bennett illustrates this through human connection, comparing the creation of literature to the way a passionate person can make a friend momentarily see the miraculous beauty in someone they previously overlooked. Through force and sincerity of vision, an artist wakes up the reader, removing the blinders from their eyes and unstopping their ears to the wonders of existence. This awakening is what Bennett defines as being truly alive. Literary Taste encourages readers to move beyond passive consumption and instead engage actively with books, developing their own independent judgment rather than relying blindly on conventional authority or popular opinion. Bennett challenges individuals to test their own reactions against the timeless standards of true art, fostering a lifelong dialogue with authors who have captured the essence of the human condition. The book emphasizes that discovering literary taste is fundamentally about discovering oneself and expanding one's capacity for empathy, wonder, and intellectual growth. By learning to recognize the difference between genuine creative expression and mere mechanical writing, readers can transform their reading habits into a profound journey of self-discovery. Ultimately, Arnold Bennett provides an inspiring roadmap for anyone looking to enrich their intellectual life, reminding us that engaging with great literature is one of the most powerful ways to fully experience the depth and richness of the world around us.
๐ฏ Key Lessons
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Pros
Concise and easily digestible length
Inspiring and passionate prose style
Encourages independent thinking and personal judgment
Deepens the reader's appreciation for creative expression
โ ๏ธ Cons
Short length may leave readers wanting more detailed analysis
May feel slightly dated to modern readers expecting contemporary literary theory
โ๏ธ About the Author
โ FAQ
What is the main theme of Literary Taste by Arnold Bennett? +
The main theme is how to cultivate a personal, genuine appreciation for literature and develop independent critical judgment.
Who is the author of this book? +
The book was written by Arnold Bennett.
How long is the book? +
The book spans seventy pages, making it a concise read.
Is this book suitable for beginners? +
Yes, it is designed to guide anyone interested in deepening their understanding of literature without requiring academic expertise.
What year was this edition published? +
This edition of Literary Taste was published in 2016.
