Owen Barfield

Owen Barfield was a British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, known for his work on the evolution of consciousness and his influence on the Inklings, a literary group that included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

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. Saving The Appearances

    A Study in Idolatry

    In this thought-provoking exploration of human perception and consciousness, the author delves into the evolution of human thought and the way we interpret the world around us. The narrative examines the shift from ancient to modern perspectives, highlighting how our understanding of reality is shaped by cultural and historical contexts. Through a blend of philosophy, history, and linguistics, the book challenges readers to reconsider the nature of "appearances" and the role of imagination in constructing our experience of reality, ultimately questioning the very nature of knowledge and truth.

    The 5103rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Poetic Diction

    A Study in Meaning

    This influential work explores the evolution and significance of language, particularly focusing on the transformative power of poetry. It delves into the intricate relationship between words and meaning, examining how poetic language can transcend ordinary communication to evoke profound insights and emotions. Through a philosophical lens, the book argues that poetry holds a unique capacity to reveal deeper truths about human consciousness and the world, challenging readers to reconsider the way they perceive and interact with language. The text is a compelling inquiry into the dynamic nature of words and their ability to shape our understanding of reality.

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  4. 5. History In English Words

    A Contribution to Historical Semantics

    A detailed philological and philosophical study that traces how shifts in the meanings of key English words reflect deeper changes in Western thought and human consciousness, arguing that the history of terms such as nature, imagination, soul, person, and meaning reveals a movement from an earlier participatory mode of experience toward increasing abstraction and separation, and suggesting that tracking semantic change can illuminate the cultural, intellectual and spiritual transformations from antiquity through the modern age and point toward ways of recovering a more integrated sense of meaning.

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