How to Fail in Literature; a lecture, by Andrew Lang

Television and computers may be chief source of entertainment in todays fast-paced society, but classic literature will never die. These are the works that have withstood the test of time, captivating us and giving us insight into the true nature of the human condition.

"The spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” is a well-known definition to literature. Literature offers new creative ways to interpret the world and part of our cultural heritage which is freely available to everyone, and which can enrich our lives in all kinds of ways. The works can be entertaining, beautiful, funny, or tragic. They convey profundity of thought, richness of emotion, and insight into character. They take us beyond or limited experience of life to show us the lives of other people at other times. They stir us intellectually and emotionally, and deepen our understanding of our history, our society, and our own individual lives. Fiction enables us to explore the recesses of man’s head and heart with a torch; history allows us only the natural light of day, which does not usually shine into such places. Literature is man’s exploration of man by artificial light, which is better than natural light because we can direct it where we want.

This book is one of the older classics, its language and humor make it an easy, cant-put-it-down read. Please enjoy it.