Inventing the Critic in Renaissance England

The book explores the emergence of English literary criticism at the turn of the seventeenth century, highlighting the contributions of figures like Philip Sidney, George Puttenham, and Ben Jonson. It examines their complex relationship with the role of the critic, revealing their fears of misunderstanding and marginalization. Rather than merely adopting existing frameworks from Europe, these critics actively shaped their own practices in response to various social and intellectual influences, marking a significant moment in the evolution of critical discourse.