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How (Not) to Write a History of World Literature

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  • Trivedi, Harish

Abstract

The first comprehensive history of World Literature to be published in English was Literature: A World History (4 vols, 2022). As an editor-contributor of this work, I here examine in retrospect the decisions we collectively took about basic structural issues such as periodization, division of the world into six macro-regions, their proportional representation, and the multi-tier process of writing, editing and coordination. In the process, I point out several aspects of our project that in my view did not go as well as they could have, and conclude by acclaiming nonetheless the undoubted success of our pioneering endeavour.

Suggested Citation

  • Trivedi, Harish, 2025. "How (Not) to Write a History of World Literature," European Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 33(3), pages 270-281, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:eurrev:v:33:y:2025:i:3:p:270-281_3
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