An Experiment in Criticism

Historical Context and Significance

C.S. Lewis's book «An Experiment in Criticism» represents a unique approach to literary criticism, where the author proposes evaluating books not by their content or style, but by how they are perceived by readers. Lewis asserts that the true value of a book lies in its ability to broaden the reader's horizons and enrich their experience. This work has significantly influenced approaches to literary criticism, offering a more subjective and reader-oriented method of evaluating literature. Lewis emphasizes the importance of personal perception and experience, making his work relevant even today, fostering a deeper understanding of the interaction between reader and text. The book also sparked discussions about the role of the critic and how literature can be assessed in terms of its impact on the reader, rather than solely by formal criteria.