The Idea of Coleridge's Criticism

The Idea of Coleridge's Criticism explores the profound, often polarizing legacy of Samuel Taylor Coleridge as a literary critic, whose influence continues to resonate in modern thought. This study examines the richness and complexity of Coleridge's critical theories, particularly his groundbreaking ideas on imagination, organic unity, and the interplay between form and content in poetry. It navigates the spectrum of scholarly opinions, from skepticism over his philosophical debts to the Germans to admiration for his psychological insights and practical criticism. By analyzing his contributions within the broader context of Romanticism and Western criticism, this book emphasizes Coleridge's role as a thinker who unified poetic theory, philosophy, and literary practice in ways that shaped generations of critical discourse.

With a focus on the inherent unity of Coleridge's critical vision, the book contends that his theories extend beyond the fragmentary and eclectic criticisms often attributed to him. It delves into his synthesis of Romantic idealism and systematic analysis, showcasing his ability to reconcile opposites—subject and object, imagination and reason—within an organic framework. Highlighting his enduring relevance, the book underscores how Coleridge's belief in the logic and value of imaginative language provided a compelling defense against the encroachment of scientific positivism in literature. Ultimately, this study positions Coleridge not only as a Romantic theorist or pioneer of depth psychology but as a towering figure whose critical insights retain permanent significance for literary interpretation and appreciation.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1962.