Classic

Sir (John) Frank Kermode was Julian Clarence Levi Professor of English Literature, Emeritus, at Columbia University and a Fellow of King’s College, University of Cambridge. He was instrumental in the 1979 founding of the London Review of Books and was knighted in 1991 for his service to literature.

• 1. tantum alias inter caput extulit urbes, quantum lenta solent inter viburna cupressi 2. urbem, quam dicunt Romam...putavi...huic nostrae similem... 3. magnus ab integro saeclorum nascitur ordo 4. atgue hic ingentem comitum adfluxisse novorum invenio admirans numerum...

The subtitle…modestly describes the tensions that generate the remarkable energy of this highly original study. The old conception of classic, Kermode argues, is tied to Virgilian attitudes of empire and eternity; the modern use of the term embraces change, plurality and secularization. The Classic brilliantly mediates between the two views of literature and culture… This closely argued and clearly articulated essay…rests on formidable learning.