A history of criticism and literary taste in Europe, from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 1 (of 3), Classical and mediæval criticism

"A History of Criticism and Literary Taste in Europe" by George Saintsbury is a detailed exploration of how ideas about literature have changed over time, starting from ancient times and moving towards the present. The author digs into the writings and thoughts of important writers and critics to show how they shaped what people considered good literature. The book likely journeys through key moments and shifts in what people liked and valued in literature. It begins by highlighting the need to study actual texts rather than just other people's opinions about them. The book positions literary criticism as a crucial way of judging and understanding what makes literature work and why we enjoy it. The author sets out to tackle this big topic in a clear, step-by-step way, paving the way for exploring Greek, Roman, and Medieval ideas about literature and how those eras influenced Europe's overall literary preferences.