History of English Literature by H. A. Taine, Translated by H. Van Laun - 1871

Edinburgh - Edmonston & Douglas, 1871 Book. GOOD ONLY. Hardcover. A classic of literary criticism by this influential French proponent of naturalism, who is remembered for his three-pronged approach of considering race, millieu, and moment. Taine was hugely influential in the direction French literature into the 20th century. The 1911 Encyclopdia Britannica asserted that the tone which pervades the works of Zola, Bourget and Maupassant can be immediately attributed to the influence we call Taine's. This work enjoyed a strongly favourable reception among English critics. The Westminster Review wrote, [Taine] has produced the most elaborate an valuable history that now exists of the copious and splendid literature of England. Even the Fortnightly Review, which sought to criticise the work, acknowledged that whatever his faults, it is impossible not to be grateful to him. A significant work in the development of 20th century Englishliterary criticism, all the more interesting for being written by this brilliant Frenchman. Condition: In half calf. Externally with only light rubbing, however there is damage with some small loss to the heads of both spines. The front joint of volume I has split, however the board is still attached via the hinge. The spine is still attached to the backstrip by the head. Internally, the first and last few pages in each volume are spotted as usual. Firmly bound. Overall: GOOD ONLY.