The Importance And Means Of A National Literature (1830)

The Importance and Means of a National Literature is an essay written by William Ellery Channing in 1830. In this essay, Channing argues that a nation's literature is important because it reflects the culture and values of the people. He believes that literature can shape and influence the thoughts and actions of individuals, and therefore, it is essential for a nation to have a literature that represents its unique identity.Channing discusses the characteristics of a national literature, stating that it should be original, authentic, and expressive of the nation's history, customs, and beliefs. He also emphasizes the importance of language in literature, stating that it should be clear and simple, yet powerful and evocative.Furthermore, Channing discusses the means of developing a national literature, including the importance of education, the role of writers and publishers, and the need for government support. He argues that a nation's literature should be accessible to all, and that it should be used to promote social and political reform.Overall, The Importance and Means of a National Literature is a thought-provoking essay that highlights the importance of literature in shaping a nation's identity and values. Channing's insights and recommendations are still relevant today, and this essay remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in the role of literature in society.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.