Two Cultures?: The Significance of C. P. Snow

by F.R. Leavis, Stefan Collini (Contributor)

In this first annotated edition of F. R. Leavis's famous critique of C. P. Snow's influential argument about 'the two cultures', Stefan Collini reappraises both its literary tactics and its purpose as cultural criticism. The edition will enable new generations of readers to understand what was at stake in the dispute and to appreciate the enduring relevance of Leavis's attack on the goal of economic growth. In his comprehensive introduction Collini situates Leavis's critique within the wider context of debates about 'modernity' and 'prosperity', not just the 'two cultures' of literature and science. Collini emphasizes the difficulties faced by the cultural critic in challenging widely-held views and offers an illuminating analysis of Leavis's style. The edition provides full notes to references and allusions in Leavis's texts.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Frank Raymond "F.R." Leavis, CH was an English literary critic of the early-to-mid-twentieth century. He taught for much of his career at Downing College, Cambridge but often latterly at the University of York.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well "wrapped" version of Leavis' response to Snow's lecture on The Two Cultures. Leavis' commentary was acknowledge as scathing at the time, but may not be quite so terrible given the perspective of our Twitter-based public square. There is clearly a need for a well balanced approach that considers both science and the humanities.

[Claudia Sorsby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this back in high school, after my dad got me to read the original CP Snow essay—which was better.

It's been a while, but I remember thinking that Leavis's argument boiled down to "Snow doesn't appreciate DH Lawrence, so he's an idiot," which didn't seem like much of a response. Also, I don't particularly care for Lawrence myself, making it even less persuasive.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

An impressive piece of rhetoric but not an especially interesting rebuttal of Snow. Wouldn't recommend.

[ash ˚✧ ₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

its so vicious and intellectual (who i inspire to be)