Walter Stein is a 'radical Christian humanist' - a term which he defines in his opening chapter. His aim is to test this standpoint in 'dialogue' with liberal humanist or Marxist approaches to literature and in relation to the great issues which literature embodies. The restatement is called for by the work of recent critics (such as Leavis) who insist that criticism is inevitably stultified by premature dogmatizing. Conceding this, Stein replies that in the end one does have to say what one lives by and judge accordingly. Thus every reader has to evolve an attitude towards tragedy, for here ultimate questions are posed, and must be faced. The book argues that there can be a specifically Christian attitude to tragedy. This is a thoughtful and original book. It is strenuous but rewarding, an important restatement of a classic point of view.

This book discusses the 'radical Christian humanist' approach to literature.

Book Information
ISBN 9780521035033
Author Stein
Format Paperback
Page Count 268
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 304g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 127mm * 18mm