Frank Kermode

Frank Kermode was a highly respected British literary critic and scholar. Born on November 29, 1919, and passing away on August 17, 2010, he was known for his insightful analysis and contributions to the study of English literature. Kermode's work often focused on the interpretation of complex texts, and he was particularly interested in the role of time in narrative. He authored many influential books, including 'The Sense of an Ending: Studies in the Theory of Fiction,' which is considered a seminal work in the field of literary criticism.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Oxford Book Of Letters

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of letters spanning several centuries, curated to provide readers with a unique glimpse into the personal lives, historical events, and cultural contexts of various periods. The letters, selected for their literary merit and historical significance, offer intimate insights into the thoughts, emotions, and personalities of both renowned figures and ordinary individuals. Through these correspondences, the book not only chronicles the evolution of letter writing as an art form but also serves as a vivid tapestry of human experience, reflecting the diverse ways in which people have communicated their ideas, feelings, and experiences across time.

    The 5131st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Sense Of An Ending

    In "The Sense of an Ending," the author delves into the ways in which humans impose artificial structures and narratives on life's chaos to create a sense of order and meaning. The work explores our perception of time and our incessant need to segment it into beginnings, middles, and ends, much like the structure of a conventional story. By examining various literary and philosophical traditions, the text reveals our collective desire for resolution and how this shapes our understanding of history and our personal lives. The author argues that while this narrative ordering is a natural human impulse, it often leads to simplified and distorted perceptions of reality.

    The 7152nd Greatest Book of All Time