Offering a profound exploration of allegory, this work combines theoretical insights with exceptional literary critique. It stands out as a pivotal resource for understanding the complexities of allegorical narratives, making it an essential text for academic study. Esteemed critics, like Stanley Fish, highlight its significance in literary courses, emphasizing its role as a foundational reference in the field.
The book explores the historical role of comedy as a practical tool for enhancing democratic engagement and fostering civic behaviors, such as problem-solving and pluralism, particularly in minority participation in governance. It contrasts this pragmatic approach with contemporary idealistic philosophies that emphasize liberal principles. In light of recent democratic challenges globally, the author advocates for a revival of these comedic practices as a means to strengthen and expand democratic participation in modern society.
"A brilliant examination of literary invention through the ages, from ancient Mesopotamia to Elena Ferrante, showing how writers created technical breakthroughs as sophisticated and significant as any in science, and in the process, engineered enhancements to the human heart and mind"--
'Fascinating. It blew my mind!' - Malcolm GladwellWonderworks reveals that literature is among the mightiest technologies that humans have ever invented, precision-honed to give us what our brains most want and need.
Exploring the concept of "storythinking," Angus Fletcher delves into the neuroscience behind our innate ability to understand and process information through narratives. He explains how storytelling shapes our thoughts and influences our perception of reality, highlighting the significance of stories in human cognition and communication.