Lionel Trilling

Lionel Trilling was an influential American literary critic, essayist, and teacher, known for his contributions to literary theory and cultural criticism. Born on July 4, 1905, in New York City, he was a member of the group known as the New York Intellectuals and taught at Columbia University. Trilling wrote extensively on the moral and ethical questions in literature and was particularly interested in the complexities of cultural and psychological issues within society. His most famous work is 'The Liberal Imagination' (1950), which is a collection of essays that explores the role of literature in shaping and reflecting the political and cultural climate of the time.

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 Liberal Imagination

    "The Liberal Imagination" is a collection of essays that scrutinize and challenge the ideas, politics, and cultural norms of liberal society. The author argues that liberalism often simplifies complex issues and overlooks the inherent contradictions and conflicts in human life. Using literature as a tool, he delves into the nuances of these issues and encourages readers to engage in critical thinking and self-examination. The book is a profound exploration of the strengths and weaknesses of liberal thought and its impact on society.