On Fantastic Books by Hilaire Belloc
The book is a collection of essays that explore the concept of fantasy and its relationship to reality. It argues that fantasy is a fundamental aspect of human experience and that it can be used to reveal deeper truths about the world. The essays examine various forms of fantasy, including mythology, folklore, and fairy tales, and consider their role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1907 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Fantasy, Science Fiction · 1,557 words
First lines
There has fallen upon criticism since perhaps a century ago, and with increasing weight, a sort of gravity which is in great danger of becoming tomfoolery at last: as all gravity is in danger of becoming.
What this Textopian page supports
On Fantastic Books is listed on Textopian as an essay by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Philosophical, Satire
- Length: 1,557 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On Fantastic Books by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On Fantastic Books?
- How does this essay by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Criticism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — The text critiques the nature of literature and its perception, focusing on the role and value of Fantastic Books.
- Fantasy — The discussion centers on Fantastic Books, which are characterized by their imaginative and fantastical elements.
- Science Fiction — The text references journeys to other worlds and the future, common themes in science fiction.
- Philosophical — The work explores philosophical ideas about literature's place in intellectual effort and its comparison to philosophy and religion.
Tags
Literary Criticism · Essay Collection · Philosophy of Literature · Book Review · Cultural Commentary · Intellectual History · 19th Century Thought · 20th Century Thought · Western Philosophy · Aesthetics · Literary Theory · Critique of Modernity