The dawn of the post-literate society

Samuel Richardson's "Pamela" is considered one of the earliest and most influential examples of the epistolary novel. Written in the form of letters, the novel tells the story of a young servant girl who resists the advances of her master. The novel's focus on Pamela's inner thoughts and feelings, conveyed through her letters, was groundbreaking for its time. "Pamela" explores themes of virtue, morality, and social class, and its innovative structure helped shape the development of the novel as a literary form. Its success led to a sequel, "Clarissa", and significantly influenced later novelists.

Jonathan Rose's "The Intellectual Life of the British Working Classes" is a groundbreaking work of social history that explores the surprising extent of literacy and intellectual engagement among working-class people in Britain. Rose challenges traditional assumptions about working-class culture, revealing a rich and vibrant intellectual life that often went unnoticed by historians. The book examines the various ways in which working-class people accessed and engaged with literature, ideas, and knowledge, highlighting the importance of self-education, community learning, and the role of institutions like libraries and workingmen's clubs. Rose's work offers a compelling counter-narrative to the often-negative stereotypes associated with working-class culture, demonstrating the intellectual vitality and resilience of ordinary people.

Ian Watt's "The Rise of the Novel" is a landmark work of literary criticism that explores the historical development of the novel as a literary form. Watt argues that the novel emerged in 18th-century England as a response to the changing social and intellectual landscape. He emphasizes the novel's focus on realism, individualism, and the exploration of individual experience. Watt's analysis of the novel's relationship to other literary forms and its connection to broader social and cultural trends has had a lasting impact on literary scholarship. His work remains a crucial text for understanding the novel's historical context and its enduring significance.

Franklin Foer's "World Without Mind" explores the profound impact of the internet and social media on our lives, focusing on the companies that have shaped the digital landscape. Foer examines the business models and strategies of tech giants like Google and Facebook, highlighting their influence on our attention, our relationships, and our sense of self. He delves into the ethical and societal implications of these technologies, raising concerns about privacy, misinformation, and the erosion of critical thinking. The book offers a critical perspective on the digital age, prompting readers to reflect on the ways in which technology is shaping our world. Foer's work is a timely and important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the impact of technology on society.

While not a single book, George Eliot's novels are collectively considered masterpieces of 19th-century English literature. Her works, including "Middlemarch," "Silas Marner," and "Adam Bede," are known for their realism, social commentary, and psychological depth. Eliot's narrative style is characterized by its intellectual rigor and its exploration of complex moral and social issues. Her novels offer insightful perspectives on the social dynamics and intellectual currents of her time, and their enduring appeal lies in their timeless exploration of human relationships and the complexities of human nature. Eliot's influence on later novelists is undeniable, and her works continue to be widely read and studied.

While not a single book, Edward Said's works are collectively considered highly influential contributions to postcolonial studies and critical theory. His most famous work, "Orientalism," is a groundbreaking critique of Western representations of the East. Said's work examines the power dynamics inherent in cultural representations and the ways in which these representations have shaped political and social relations. His scholarship has had a profound impact on various fields, including literary studies, cultural studies, and postcolonial studies. Said's work continues to be widely read and studied, and his ideas remain highly relevant in the ongoing conversation about cultural representation and power.

While not a single book, Charles Dickens's novels are collectively considered some of the greatest works of English literature. His works, including "Oliver Twist," "Great Expectations," and "A Tale of Two Cities," are known for their vivid portrayal of Victorian society, their social commentary, and their memorable characters. Dickens's narrative style is characterized by its humor, pathos, and social realism. His novels explore themes of poverty, social injustice, and the human condition, and their enduring appeal lies in their timeless exploration of human experience. Dickens's influence on literature and culture is undeniable, and his works continue to be widely read and studied.

While not a single book, Bob Dylan's body of work, including his songs, lyrics, and writings, is a significant contribution to American culture. His songs are known for their poetic lyrics, their social commentary, and their exploration of themes of faith, love, and social justice. Dylan's influence on music and culture is undeniable, and his work continues to inspire and challenge listeners. His lyrics are often studied for their literary merit, and his work has been the subject of numerous books and scholarly articles. Dylan's enduring appeal lies in his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level.

While not a single book, John Locke's philosophical ideas, particularly those presented in "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" and "Two Treatises of Government," profoundly shaped the development of the novel. His emphasis on empiricism, the idea that knowledge comes from sensory experience, and his focus on individual consciousness and self-reflection provided a foundation for the introspective and psychologically nuanced narratives that characterize the novel. Locke's concept of the self as a product of experience and reflection became a crucial element in the novel's exploration of individual identity and subjective experience. His political philosophy, emphasizing individual rights and limited government, also influenced the novel's engagement with social and political issues.

While not a single book, Jane Austen's novels are collectively considered masterpieces of English literature. Her works, including "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma," are known for their witty social commentary, realistic portrayal of characters, and exploration of themes of love, marriage, and social class. Austen's keen observations of human nature and her ability to create memorable and complex characters have ensured her enduring popularity. Her novels offer insightful perspectives on the social dynamics and gender roles of her time, and their enduring appeal lies in their timeless exploration of human relationships.

While not a single book, Daniel Defoe's works are collectively considered significant contributions to English literature. His novels, including "Robinson Crusoe" and "Moll Flanders," are known for their realistic portrayal of characters and their exploration of themes of adventure, survival, and social mobility. Defoe's narrative style is characterized by its detail and its focus on the everyday lives of his characters. His works offer valuable insights into the social and economic conditions of his time, and their enduring appeal lies in their timeless exploration of human experience. Defoe's influence on later novelists is undeniable, and his works continue to be widely read and studied.

Wallace Stevens's "The House was Quiet and the World was Calm" is a short poem that beautifully captures the experience of reading. It evokes a state of relaxed lucidity and meditative concentration, where the reader becomes absorbed in the book's world. The poem's imagery and language create a sense of tranquility and profound engagement with the text. It's a celebration of the power of reading to transport and transform the reader. The poem's concise yet evocative style is characteristic of Stevens's work, which often explores the relationship between art, reality, and the human mind.

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

The Bonfire of the Vanities is a drama that centers on three main characters: Sherman McCoy, a WASP bond trader; Larry Kramer, a Jewish assistant district attorney; and Peter Fallow, a British expatriate journalist. The novel explores the complexities of New York City in the 1980s, delving into themes of ambition, racism, social class, politics, and greed. It was originally conceived as a serial in the style of Charles Dickens and ran in 27 installments in Rolling Stone before being published in book form. The story follows the characters through their interactions and conflicts, highlighting the superficial values and hypocrisies of the city's elite and the underlying social tensions of the time.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities. The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey. The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.