The Western Canon

By Harold Bloom

Published: 1994

The Western CanonBook binding

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In his analysis of Freud's interpretations of Shakespeare, Bloomsuggests that the bard so influenced Freud that he worked tirelessly to deny any genius in an ignorant Stratford actor. This chapter focuses on Freud's writings about "Hamlet", but significant comments are made on "King Lear" and "Macbeth".

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About the Author

H

Harold Bloom

Harold Bloom (1930-2019) was a renowned American literary critic, theorist, and professor, known for his profound analysis of Western literature and his expansive body of work. He authored several influential texts, including 'The Anxiety of Influence,' 'The Western Canon,' and 'How to Read and Why,' where he explored the dynamics of literary influence and the importance of canonical works. Bloom's writing style is characterized by its eloquence and depth, often blending personal reflection with scholarly analysis. His insights into the complexities of literary creation have left an indelible mark on the field of literary criticism.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Harold Bloom
Published
January 1994
Publisher
New York : Harcourt Brace
ISBN
N/A
Language
English
Pages
600
Genres
ClassicsLiterature

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