Harold Bloom's *The Western Canon* argues for the "autonomy of the aesthetic" in literary criticism, positing that the Western literary tradition should be judged by enduring aesthetic and intellectual standards, not by ideological frameworks like multiculturalism, Marxism, feminism, neoconservatism, Afrocentrism, or the New Historicism. He centers Shakespeare as the indispensable touchstone of this tradition, asserting Shakespeare's unparalleled originality in character creation, influencing all subsequent writers. Bloom identifies twenty-six authors central to this Canon, including Milton, Goethe, Joyce, Tolstoy, Dante, and Austen, illustrating how canonical writing achieves distinction through a fusion of originality and tradition, and presenting his complete vision of the Canon at the book's conclusion.
The book champions a unifying written culture, drawing on a deep love of learning and a passionate defense of literary greatness against politicization. Bloom's work aims to inspire a return to the profound aesthetic joys offered by canonical literature, demonstrating why certain writers have transcended time and oblivion. It offers a guide to essential writers and books that form the core of the Western literary heritage, presenting a meticulously argued vision of enduring literary value.
Key concepts
- The Western Canon — A curated list of essential writers and books central to the Western literary tradition, defined by aesthetic merit and originality.
- Autonomy of the aesthetic — The principle that literature should be evaluated based on its intrinsic artistic and intellectual qualities, independent of ideological influences.
- Shakespeare as touchstone — The idea that Shakespeare's works serve as the ultimate standard by which the quality and influence of other Western literary figures are measured.
- Originality fused with tradition — The concept that great canonical writing achieves its power through a combination of innovative creation and deep engagement with prior literary heritage.