The Whirligig of Taste

'The Whirligig of Taste' is an insightful exploration of the shifting tides of literary reputation and the evolution of aesthetic judgment through the ages. Written by the distinguished scholar and critic E. E. Kellett, this work examines how authors once celebrated as masters are often relegated to obscurity, while others, initially ignored, rise to prominence in later generations. Kellett traces the history of taste from antiquity through the Elizabethan era, the 18th century, and into the Victorian age, analyzing the cultural and social forces that dictate literary fashion. By investigating the 'whirligig' of public and critical opinion, the author provides a fascinating study of the subjectivity of artistic value. Readers will find a wealth of erudition as Kellett discusses the fluctuating fortunes of figures like Shakespeare, Milton, and Pope, illustrating how each era reconstructs the literary past in its own image. This classic work of literary history remains a vital resource for students of criticism and bibliophiles alike, offering a timeless reflection on why we read what we read and how our collective appreciation for literature is constantly in flux. 'The Whirligig of Taste' serves as a profound reminder of the transitory nature of fame and the enduring power of the written word to provoke new interpretations across centuries.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.