Harold Bloom, 1930-2019, R.I.P.

I am always somewhat careful when approaching someone who is generally described as 'a colossal character' but that is the inescapable summary of Harold Bloom who died a few days ago.  He dominated the stage, or perhaps that should be, 'the boxing ring', of English and American literature for decades.  Never short of an opinion and never short of the energy and ultra-detailed knowledge required to back up his assertions.

Bloom: consumed books "at a rate of 1,000 pages an hour" Credit: TED THAI /TIMEPIX/REX

Alas, I am totally unqualified to take a view on his opinions on literature apart from remarking that the various modernist scribblers who succumbed to mouth-dribbling fury when he dismissed them, in effect, as talentless phonies provided me with endless giggles when I read about them.

However, one thing is certain, the late, great Mr. Bloom will remain on a plinth with certain other Shakespearean scholars for his magnificent book: "Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human".  I had a copy - somewhere - at sometime - but now I cannot find it!  I tried to order a copy for my Kindle but - dammit - the morons do not list it!  Anyway, thank you, Mr. Bloom, I doubt I could have played Falstaff to any standard without your superb book.

 

 

Comments

[Whitewall]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R23QEIVJ6RSR9E?ASIN=0151957479

"Bloom vs the Resentment"
At Yale, as a defender of the Western Canon, he made all the right enemies.

[David Duff]

Thanks, Whiters, an excellent article in favour of a great scholar.