Frank Raymond Leavis (1895-1978) was an influential British literary critic of the early-to-mid-twentieth century. He taught and studied for nearly his entire life at Downing College, Cambridge.
One of the best-known of the New Critics, Leavis elevated the reputations of some literary figures and denigrated others. He was noted for his forceful personality and insightful readings. He collaborated closely with his wife, Q. D. Leavis , to the extent that it was difficult to distinguish their contributions.
In particular, the early reception of T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound's poetry, and also the reading of Gerard Manley Hopkins, were considerably enhanced by Leavis's proclamation of their greatness. His dislike of John Milton, on the other hand, had no great impact on Milton's popular esteem. Leavis founded the journal Scrutiny, which was an outlet for much of the best English criticism of its time, as well as being a partisan vehicle for his school.
Reference
- F. R. Leavis: A Life in Criticism (1995) Ian MacKillop
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