The Hope Axis by Anna Gát Henry Oliver: How to Build a Literary Canon?
Mar 4, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Henry Oliver, a writer and literary critic known for The Common Reader blog, passionately discusses the intricacies of literature. They tackle the politics of culture wars and how these shape literary debates. A playful segment explores a whimsical literary canon for visiting aliens, highlighting classics from 'The King James Bible' to 'The Lord of the Rings.' The discussion also delves into romanticism's impact on narratives, the legacy of authors like Jonathan Swift, and the ongoing evolution of the literary canon.
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Do The Work, Not The Hacks
- Sit down and do the work every day instead of chasing hacks or tricks.
- Habitual practice, not shortcuts, produces real writing and creative output.
Arguing (Even Wrongly) Builds Literary Culture
- Public disagreement about classics signals healthy engagement, even if wrong.
- Starting from passionate, mistaken views is how broader literary culture grows.
Layered Appeal Explains Endurance
- Great literature works on multiple levels for different audiences at once.
- That's why texts endure: they reward both novices and deep experts simultaneously.
