The Social Mission of English Criticism 1848-1932

This book examines the transformation of English literary criticism which underlies the study of English literature today, focusing on the social objectives of the pioneer critics and educationalists who established modern English studies. In particular, he discusses their view of literary culture as a civilizing influence capable of reconciling class conflict, and their concern for its preservation in the face of the new dangers of mass society: advertising, pulp fiction, and cinema.