Written in 1579-80, this is an English vindication of literature to match the many contemporary defences written on the continent. The author expounds the antiquity of poetry in all cultures, and demonstrates its superiority to philosophy or history as a means of teaching virtue. After defining and distinguishing the "parts" and species of poetry, vindicating each in turn, the author digresses to England where he sees contemporary poetry as having reached a low ebb, but affirms with prophetic confidence that major poetry in every genre, including drama, can and will be written in the English language. Sidney's apologie is itself an eloquent classic of imaginative argument, and it remains the historical cornerstone of English literary criticism.
- ISBN10 0140433295
- ISBN13 9780140433296
- Publish Date 4 December 2014
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 144
- Language English