Elements of Criticism: Two-Volume Set, Natural Law and Enlightenment Classics
Elements of Criticism is Henry Home, Lord Kames’s influential work on criticism, emotions, rhetoric, and literary taste, presented in a two-volume edition from the Natural Law and Enlightenment Classics series. Volume one addresses emotions and passions, while volume two considers rhetoric and literary appreciation.
At a glance
- A modern edition of Kames’s influential work, first published in 1762.
- Volume one examines the nature and causes of emotions and passions.
- Volume two treats rhetoric and literary appreciation, concluding with the formation of a standard of taste.
- The work uses examples from classical literature and the arts of Kames’s time.
Reference price: $48.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Covers both psychological subjects and literary criticism across its two volumes.
- Its 864-page length supports an extensive treatment rather than a short introduction.
- Useful for readers studying Scottish Enlightenment thought and the history of criticism.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Liberty Fund |
|---|---|
| Publication date | July 11, 2005 |
| Edition | 6th |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 864 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0865974667 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0865974661 |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 2.6 x 9.3 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 3 pounds |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing identifies this as a two-volume set, while the print-length figure is given as 864 pages without a per-volume breakdown. The page count and dimensions are listing details, not independently confirmed measurements.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of Henry Home, Lord Kames, and Scottish Enlightenment philosophy.
- Students or researchers interested in rhetoric, literary appreciation, emotions, and historical ideas of taste.
- Readers seeking a substantial historical work on criticism.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a contemporary introductory guide or a brief overview of literary criticism.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
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The available aggregate rating is entirely at the highest star level, but it comes from a very small number of ratings and includes no written review details. That offers limited reassurance about reader reception, but it does not establish which aspects readers liked or whether the two-volume scholarly treatment will suit a particular reader.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects does Elements of Criticism cover?
The listing describes volume one as exploring emotions and passions, and volume two as covering rhetoric, literary appreciation, and the formation of a standard of taste.
Is this edition listed as a two-volume set?
Yes. The title identifies it as a two-volume set. The listing gives a total print length of 864 pages but does not specify a page count for each volume.
Who wrote Elements of Criticism?
The work is by Henry Home, Lord Kames, a leader of the Scottish Enlightenment, according to the supplied listing.
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