Personality in Literature

"Personality in Literature" by R. A. (Rolfe Arnold) Scott-James is a thought-provoking exploration of how individual character affects both the making and understanding of books, crafted in the early 1900s. It considers how modern life shapes what writers create, looking at connections between books and those who write them and the impact of personal histories on creative works. The book considers important authors and literary trends through a deeply philosophical lens, aiming to give a detailed view of what makes literature beautiful. The book begins by diving into the tricky subject of judging art, drawing the reader into active thought about what is beautiful in the art and literature. It uses a personal story from a Post-Impressionist art show to show how beauty depends on who is looking and considers differing views about what makes art praiseworthy. The work critiques current views that dismiss beauty as old-fashioned, arguing we should love art for its own sake and not for its usefulness or moral value, setting the stage for discussions on how individual beliefs and societal changes affect the creation and development of literature.