For anyone who is not only into textual criticism, but who also writes or communicates, Anatomy of Criticism is a really fascinating book. The four essays attempt to build a case for a standard approach to literature. And while they don’t really fulfill the goal on this first pass (e.g., the presentation of dianoia could use a little more fleshing out), this effort does provide a basis for further conversation on the subject.
This really is not about textual criticism as we think of it with regards to Biblical documents. There are subject we cover that they do not, and vice-versa. This is about the character of the literature. And this feature makes it useful for evaluating the quality of a translation. For instance, the analysis of the prose structure of the KJV translation adds to one’s understanding of the historic acceptance of the beauty of the language.
One shortcoming in the authors’ understanding of the Bible is their persistent discussion of apocalypse and failure to discuss eschatos — the end product, the goals of the authors. Still, though, the authors do provide some literary comparisons that are useful. These are seen in the analysis of Job and of Pilgrim’s Progress, along with other works that borrow from Biblical themes. They provide some context to help enrich one’s understanding of the writer’s framing of the story.
So, while the authors clearly do not hold the Bible with the same esteem as a Christian would, they do treat it with literary respect and so provide some useful tools and perspectives to enhance one’s reading.
December 30th, 2009 | 8:11 pm | #1
I read this back in grad school (I had a professor who was really into mythic structures in literary criticism; both he and Northrop Frye made a deep impression on me).
But what awed me this time around is this: A lot of writers today could build careers around a foundational book like AoC. However, if you click on the link Collin provides, you will find that this book is now Volume 22 of Frye’s “Collected Works.”
Volume 22!
December 30th, 2009 | 8:17 pm | #2
P.S. $103.35? No, no. Pick it up for ten bucks in a used-book store.
December 30th, 2009 | 8:38 pm | #3
Ok, I fixed the link. Some people can be sooo fussy! ;-)
(Oh, I got mine for $1.91 @ a local thrift shop.)
December 30th, 2009 | 9:45 pm | #4
I think you will find that Northrop Frye was, in fact, a Christian. I recall that he was a Canadian Anglican.
December 30th, 2009 | 9:54 pm | #5
Thank you for this post. I am passionate about reading classical literature, and this books looks very fascinating. I am going to purchase it! Do the authors mention how stories in the Bible might have some comparisons with pieces of literature written at earlier times? As I read the Bible (particularly the Old Testament), I am often amazed at how some of the stories are similar to earlier myths–but obviously as Christians, we have the truth of Christ, whereas the ancients, who were either contemporaries with Christ, like the Romans, or who were lived earlier than he did (Greeks, etc.), did not.
December 30th, 2009 | 10:00 pm | #6
I am also wondering how you people find such great things in a thrift shop! Never in my life have I had such luck. Nor have I ever had good luck at a used bookstore. It all seems like slim pickings to me!
December 30th, 2009 | 10:05 pm | #7
Columbus OH has great thrift shops, especially when the thrift shops are located anywhere near campus. Auctions are also a good source for books.
December 31st, 2009 | 9:46 am | #8
Many ministers upon retirement donate their libraries to local Salvation Army stores or Goodwills. You might check those, too.
I found a first edition hardback with dust jacket copy of Raymond Brown’s “The Birth of the Messiah”–for a quarter!
December 31st, 2009 | 9:49 am | #9
Thanks, Collin. There are some really great half price bookstores where I live. I never have the patience to stay and look. It is always so much more convenient to purchase from amazon. Have a happy new year.
December 31st, 2009 | 9:52 am | #10
One problem with Frye’s archetypal approach is that it can be too easily adopted by non-believers as saying the Bible (specifically, the Gospel) is “just another myth.” I would recommend, along with Frye, reading C.S. Lewis or Peter Kreeft on myth (Kreeft has a good section on this in his “Handbook of Christian Apologetics”).
December 31st, 2009 | 1:44 pm | #11
Thank you for the suggestions as well, Craig. Ever since I became a Christian several years ago and then converted to Orthodoxy, I have developed a huge interest in theology. And I am trying to compile a library of books. I have been an admirer of CS Lewis since becoming a Christian almost six years ago, and I have many of his works–both his apologetic works and his scholarly works. My priest likes Kreeft and has quoted him a bit. And I am very impressed you found Brown’s book for such a great price. I paid full price for his introdction to the New Testament, but it was worth it. I guess I need the eyes and patience of you guys! One of my friends from church has found great works by the Fathers at half-price book stores.
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