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

This volume completes a three‑part survey of European literary criticism, focusing on the ideas that shaped the nineteenth century. While earlier books traced two millennia of thought, here the author narrows to the era when modern theories of taste, historicism, and aesthetic judgment took firm hold. Drawing on contemporary essays, journal reviews, and private correspondence, the narrative maps how critics responded to realism, romanticism, and the rise of the novel. The work also notes late‑eighteenth‑century remnants that still echoed in the new debates, giving listeners a sense of continuity and rupture.

Saintsbury’s method is deliberately archival: every citation is linked to a footnote, and corrections appear as highlights that reveal the scholarly process. He balances rigorous documentation with a conversational tone, making dense material feel accessible without losing nuance. By foregrounding the cultural forces that shaped critics’ judgments, the volume invites listeners to see how today’s tastes are rooted in past debates. It is a useful reference for students and a thoughtful companion for anyone curious about the evolution of critical thought.