Literature’s New Critics “weren’t the first to theorize about literature, but they were the first to establish theory as a distinct practice in the humanities. Like the theorists who came after, they regarded texts as dense and multilayered, and scorned interpretations that overlooked the figurative and formal aspects of the work. On the other hand, the New Critics erected disciplinary walls, while the theorists who followed knocked them down.”
Tag: 12.21.07
Bulgaria’s Archaeological Treasures In Peril
Bulgaria has a rich archaeological history. But the country’s ruins are being looted. “The looters have the most up-to-date technology and good off-road vehicles. They are very mobile and extremely well informed.”
A Peek Inside A Philosophical Dispute
A nasty book review “has reignited a feud between the two philosophers that shows how bitter, unforgiving and (to outsiders) unwittingly hilarious academic disputes can be. It certainly makes the bear pit that is journalism seem like sunshine and lollipops by comparison.”
NY Public Library To Restore Its Facade
The Beaux-Arts marble building, now known as the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, is suffering from cracks, chipping, and erosion of the marble, the library said in its announcement. Restoration will cost $55 million.
US Government Denies Scholar Visa
“The case of Tariq Ramadan has become central to efforts by academic and civil liberties groups to challenge the denial of U.S. visas to foreign scholars. And on Thursday, a federal judge handed those groups a defeat by upholding the right of the government to deny a visa to Ramadan, a prominent Muslim scholar who has been unable to enter the United States to accept a position at the University of Notre Dame.”
Met Opera’s Latest Mission: High Def To Schools
Last spring, Peter Gelb met with the chancellor of the Department of Education, Joel Klein, to propose expanding the high-definition transmissions to public schools. “Today, 2,500 students will spend their last day of school at the Met’s first student open house, watching the final dress rehearsal of “Hansel and Gretel” and learning about how the sets and costumes are made.”
America To Get Glimpse Of Afghanistan’s Best
“A selection of Afghanistan’s ancient artistic treasures — from a dagger hilt carved with a Siberian bear to Greek coins from an excavated city called Woman of the Moon — is scheduled to come to Washington next May and continue on a 17-month national tour.”
Oprah Boosts CD Sales At End Of A Dismal Year
It’s been a brutal year for the recording industry, but Oprah Winfrey provided a nice Christmas bonus when she gave her endorsement to a Josh Groban Christmas album. Groban’s CD has now sold close to 3 million copies, and is officially the best-selling album of the year.
Writers Can Work Spirit Awards
“The Writers Guild of America says its members will be allowed to work for the Spirit Awards honoring independent film despite uncertainties surrounding other awards shows because of the Hollywood writers strike.”
From Fact To Fiction, Back To Fact Again?
A new film focuses on the (mostly) true story of the debate team at a historically black college in the 1930s, and the college is hoping that the movie will help revive its own sagging fortunes. “The film’s director and star, Denzel Washington, recently pledged $1 million to restart Wiley’s now-defunct debate team… [And] the latest windfall has extended beyond the college’s debate legacy.”