Questions at Issue

"Questions at Issue" by Edmund Gosse is a compilation of literary essays from the late 1800s that dives into the literature of the time and analyzes the role of literary criticism, particularly looking at how novels and literary tastes were changing. The book offers Gosse's reflections on the literary trends of his era, including the impact of democracy on literature and the evolving functions of poets and novelists as a result. The collection starts with Gosse explaining his essay approach, setting it apart from traditional literary criticism. He makes an argument for a more relaxed, discussion-based critique of modern writers, emphasizing that analyzing the literary landscape of one's own time is challenging and less absolute due to shifting preferences and societal factors, while highlighting that the contemporary critique should genuinely engage with current literature and stick to the core concepts of literary excellence.