Two Cultures?

In this first annotated edition of F. R. Leavis famous critique of C. P. Snows 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 Leaviss attack on the goal of economic growth. In his comprehensive introduction Collini situates Leaviss 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 Leaviss style. The edition provides full notes to references and allusions in Leaviss texts.