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penguin_emperor_of_the_north's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating stuff, I especially liked the parts describing the medieval view of the cosmos and the continuity between the classical and medieval worldview.
ultimatecryptid's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Beginning with some fairly egregious racism before starting on its subject, The Discarded Image started on a low point. My initial thoughts were that a deeper understanding of cultural transmission and class dynamics would have improved the work.
The first half of the book summarizes the literary canon of the period. Without knowledge of the works I cannot jusdge this as a summary, but the widespread understanding of these pieces was well justified.
Lewis's description of medieval cosmology and metaphysics was where this book really excelled. I feel as though I could have started at this point and not lost anything. I found particular interest in the structure of the world and the structure of the soul, and can easily see how this will improve my understanding of medieval literature.
The first half of the book summarizes the literary canon of the period. Without knowledge of the works I cannot jusdge this as a summary, but the widespread understanding of these pieces was well justified.
Lewis's description of medieval cosmology and metaphysics was where this book really excelled. I feel as though I could have started at this point and not lost anything. I found particular interest in the structure of the world and the structure of the soul, and can easily see how this will improve my understanding of medieval literature.
prendergast's review
Going to read this alongside the Space trilogy later in the year, once I've bought copies.
bradwadd's review
5.0
No other book I have come across gives a neater introduction and overview of the Medieval mindset and culture. Taking us through the most prominent writers and poets of the classical and seminal eras, Lewis highlights the works that influenced Christain and neo-Platonic thought. Over the course of the book, Lewis creates for us the Medieval 'Model of the Universe' showing how the intellectual of the time perceives the reality around them and how it differs from a modern. Vitaly important work for anyone interested in understanding historical eras, and demonstrating, in the epilogue, the relevance of such a work when contrasted to our modern progressive, Darwinian 'Model'.
josiahrichardson's review
4.0
If this is an introduction to medieval and Renaissance literature, then I need the dummies guide to the pre-intro to the pre-prep intro to Medieval and Renaissance Literature pre-course for beginners.
Everything I comprehended was great. Everything I didn't get this time around will be an excuse to re-read it. The model of the universe, as Lewis stated, was a helpful context for me to move forward into the major works that Lewis outlined thereafter. It is interesting that he thought or maybe even assumed that the Bible should have already been read by the student and as such he did not include it in this work. I can't think of anyone in my own lifetime who has read the Bible cover to cover, or even just large portions of it, if they were not already taught to do so from their parents when they were children/teens, or outside of those who claim to be Christians. The Bible essentially remainds untouched in this modern era, even in fields where it would be a valuable resource like history or philosophy. How far we have fallen.
This was the last book that Lewis wrote and in many ways it was his magnum opus for the field that he championed. Somebody once quipped that one can't expect to think like Lewis without reading like Lewis. If that is the case, there are a ton of books one would need to read and think through, but I have seen photos of Lewis' library and they are predominantly tedious works on medieval literature and other books that aren't exactly light reading. It is interesting that there is a full chapter on fairies in a book on the literature from the middle-ages and if that is surprising to me, and it is, then that probably means I am not very well-versed in this time period as I might have first thought. At times, this book dragged for me and was difficult to continue. But Lewis already had my respect and I owed him that much to finish the book. I'm glad I did.
Everything I comprehended was great. Everything I didn't get this time around will be an excuse to re-read it. The model of the universe, as Lewis stated, was a helpful context for me to move forward into the major works that Lewis outlined thereafter. It is interesting that he thought or maybe even assumed that the Bible should have already been read by the student and as such he did not include it in this work. I can't think of anyone in my own lifetime who has read the Bible cover to cover, or even just large portions of it, if they were not already taught to do so from their parents when they were children/teens, or outside of those who claim to be Christians. The Bible essentially remainds untouched in this modern era, even in fields where it would be a valuable resource like history or philosophy. How far we have fallen.
This was the last book that Lewis wrote and in many ways it was his magnum opus for the field that he championed. Somebody once quipped that one can't expect to think like Lewis without reading like Lewis. If that is the case, there are a ton of books one would need to read and think through, but I have seen photos of Lewis' library and they are predominantly tedious works on medieval literature and other books that aren't exactly light reading. It is interesting that there is a full chapter on fairies in a book on the literature from the middle-ages and if that is surprising to me, and it is, then that probably means I am not very well-versed in this time period as I might have first thought. At times, this book dragged for me and was difficult to continue. But Lewis already had my respect and I owed him that much to finish the book. I'm glad I did.
mrosmosis's review against another edition
3.0
Not as beneficial for someone not very well read in English literature
21degustafson's review
3.0
A concise introduction to medieval literature. Interesting to see some scholarly work from the well-known apologist and fiction writer. That being said, the work can be considered both a travel-guide to medieval literature and a sustained criticism of the belief in the medieval "Dark Ages". Medieval man, according to Lewis, was an appreciator of categorization and systematizing. Authority was a powerful force, but not due to a complacent incuriosity, but humility resulting from respect for the knowledge of their ancestors. Contradictions in ancient authors were only apparent and were to be resolved. One passage in particular that sticks out is Macrobius's theological extrapolation from one parenthetical remark in Cicero.
Lewis begins the work with less well-known classical authors whose works contributed to the medieval model and moves on to a discussion of the model itself and its views on the Heavens, the Earth, and finally, man. Throughout the work, he strives to show that the assumptions underlying the Medieval model are no more naive than many of the assumptions supporting our view of the world.
Probably Lewis's best work, but not his most original. Given his appreciation of the medieval man's humility, however, I doubt any such charge would really bother him.
Lewis begins the work with less well-known classical authors whose works contributed to the medieval model and moves on to a discussion of the model itself and its views on the Heavens, the Earth, and finally, man. Throughout the work, he strives to show that the assumptions underlying the Medieval model are no more naive than many of the assumptions supporting our view of the world.
Probably Lewis's best work, but not his most original. Given his appreciation of the medieval man's humility, however, I doubt any such charge would really bother him.
highkingfelagund's review
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
If you’re looking to understand the worldview of the medieval people, or at least their writers. This should be your first stop.