Paperback reprint. Originally published: 2020.
David Damrosch Book order (chronological)
David Damrosch is a leading scholar of comparative and world literature, whose work spans from antiquity to the present day. He delves into the evolution and transformation of literary genres, exploring the historical and cultural contexts that shape the creation and dissemination of literary works. His research illuminates how to read and understand world literature on a global scale, emphasizing the interconnectedness of literary traditions across cultures and centuries. He also addresses the academic environment and pedagogical approaches within literary studies.
Embark on a captivating journey through global literature, connecting classic and modern works that engage with each other and the world. Inspired by Jules Verne's Phileas Fogg, David Damrosch, chair of Harvard's Department of Comparative Literature, explores eighty exceptional books to counter pandemic travel restrictions. His literary itinerary spans from London to Venice and Tehran, featuring authors like Woolf, Dante, and Nobel laureates such as Orhan Pamuk and Wole Soyinka. Damrosch examines how these narratives shape our understanding of the world and how reality influences literature. He highlights the dual existence of writers in their personal experiences and the literary canon that informs their creativity. His exploration includes contemporary works alongside timeless classics, blending genres from crime fiction to fantasy, and formative tales that introduce us to new worlds. Collectively, these eighty titles provide fresh insights into enduring issues, including the social impacts of epidemics, rising inequality, and the patriarchal challenges faced by heroines from Murasaki Shikibu to Margaret Atwood. This journey through literature offers a profound perspective on the complexities of life and society.