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A review by ultimatecryptid
The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature by C.S. Lewis
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.