Old and New Masters

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

12600

Title

Old and New Masters

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Robert Lynd's "Old and New Masters" offers a critical survey of major literary figures, from Dostoevsky and Hardy to Strindberg and Yeats. Lynd analyzes their unique styles, psychological depths, and thematic concerns, revealing how their genius often emerges from conflict, suffering, or intense observation of the human condition.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Old and New Masters*, Robert Lynd offers a critical survey of twenty-seven significant authors, balancing appreciation for artistic achievement with sharp insight into the human condition. Lynd begins with Fyodor Dostoevsky, characterizing him as a sensationalist novelist whose characters are often driven by madness, cruelty, and spiritual conflict. Lynd notes that Dostoevsky's world feels like an inferno, populated by figures resembling madmen and wild beasts who release themselves from ordinary inhibitions. Despite this sensational framework, Lynd argues that Dostoevsky retains a Christian core, portraying a conflict between demoniacal hatred and a Christ-like, melting charity. Lynd then turns to Ivan Turgenev, praising his creation of independent women who are saviors of men rather than mere sentimental accidents. He contrasts Turgenev's affectionate realism with the disparagement found in other works. The collection also examines August Strindberg, describing his work as a reflection in a "cracked mirror" where domestic irritations are magnified into cosmic tragedies. Lynd suggests Strindberg dramatizes the conflict between man and life's irritations, particularly regarding women, often oscillating between lust and disgust. A substantial section is dedicated to Thomas Hardy, whom Lynd characterizes as a sensitive observer of nature. Lynd describes Hardy's vision as desolate and pitying, defined by a sense of human helplessness against a cruel destiny. While Hardy's art may be described as "lame," Lynd asserts it carries the burden of genius, communicating a grim vision of the world through precise observation. Lynd further explores the poetic genius of Wordsworth, Keats, and Rossetti, as well as the narrative mastery of Henry James and the storytelling prowess of Kipling and Chekhov. Throughout the book, Lynd examines how these writers use their craft to explore the darkest aspects of the human experience, from the tavern genius of Villon to the perfect story-telling of Turgenev and Chekhov, ultimately revealing the profound struggles of the human soul.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• English Literature
• Modern Literature