Situation of Poetry: Four Essays on the Relations Between Poetry, Mysticism, Magic and Knowledge

by Raïssa Maritain, Jacques Maritain

Hardcover

First published November 1, 1968

Reviews

[Arielle Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final two essays (those by Jacques Maritain—the first two are by Raissa Maritain) especially pertinent to me. Seems like there is major Hegelian influence, even though it isn’t made explicit. One of the best ‘responses’ to the question of “What is poetry?” that I’ve encountered. Concept of the poetic as both mediated but a form of direct contact, that comes into contact with the essence of the thing and thus, in this process, with itself. Also a good discussion of poetic knowledge not being for the sake of knowledge, not as a tool for acquiring knowledge, but as an expression which “obscurely reveals” in a “beam of darkness.”

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to read this years ago but didn't get far. Written by two philosophers - husband and wife Jacques and Raissa Maritain. Reading it again this summer and finding much more hope in it than in, for instance, Harold Bloom's "Anxiety of Influence".

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magisterial book, I think. It addresses what has been called by others "poetic knowledge" which is in such great lack today.