The Mirror and the Lamp by Meyer Howard Abrams

"The Mirror and the Lamp" is a comprehensive analysis of the Romantic theory of literature. The book explores the shift in focus from the neoclassical concept of mimesis, or art as a mirror reflecting the real world, to the Romantic emphasis on the artist's inner world, comparing it to a lamp projecting its light outward. It delves into the four main elements of the Romantic aesthetic: the artist, the work of art, nature, and the audience, providing a detailed examination of the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of Romantic literature.

The 3296th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 111

Since this book was first published in 1953, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 111.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.