Letters on literature is a reflective collection of essays in which the author examines the evolution of literary taste, the art of poetry, and the enduring value of the written word. Written in an engaging epistolary style, the work captures an intimate dialogue between writer and reader, combining personal insight with critical reflection. Through discussions of poets such as Tennyson and Browning, the author contemplates the shifting landscape of literary creation and the waning reverence for poetic expression in modern society. The essays reveal both admiration for the achievements of the past and concern for the diminished role of imagination and craftsmanship in contemporary writing. Blending wit, scholarship, and affection for literature, the collection stands as a defense of artistic integrity and intellectual engagement. It encourages readers to reconsider the moral and emotional power of language as a means of truth and beauty, offering a timeless meditation on the relationship between art, criticism, and cultural memory.
"Andrew Lang was a Scottish author, poet, and folklorist, best known for his collections of fairy tales, his work in anthropology, and his contributions to literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A scholar with a wide range of interests, Lang became famous for his ability to collect and preserve folk tales from various cultures. The first of these, The Blue Fairy Book, was published in 1889, followed by a total of twelve volumes, including The Red Fairy Book (1890), The Green Fairy Book (1892), and others. These collections introduced many beloved fairy tales to English-speaking audiences and remain classics of children's literature.
His novel The Disentanglers showcases his skill in social commentary and relationship dynamics, often with wit and critique of societal expectations. Lang was a notable figure in the literary and cultural circles of his time, contributing to the popularization of folklore studies and bridging the gap between academic and popular audiences. His work on fairy tales and his anthropological research have made him a lasting figure in the study of mythology, literature, and folklore."