Letters on Literature

About this book

"Letters on Literature" by Andrew Lang is a collection of essays and letters discussing various literary topics and figures, likely written during the late 19th century. The work appears to delve into discussions on poetry, notable authors, and literary critiques, reflecting the author's personal views and biases on the state of literature and its practitioners during his time. At the start of "Letters on Literature," the author introduces the format and purpose of the essays. He expresses his intention to communicate with a contemporary reader and his use of an epistolary style to discuss modern English poetry, among other literary subjects. Lang highlights the current state of poetry and its perceived decline in popularity and quality, referencing well-known poets such as Tennyson and Browning while addressing the challenges of literary appreciation in a changing society. He reflects on the role of past literary giants versus contemporary authors and sets the stage for deeper critiques of individual poets and literary movements throughout the rest of the work.