M. H. Abrams

Date of Birth: July 23, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: April 21, 2015

Biography

Meyer Howard “Mike” Abrams, known professionally as M. H. Abrams, was a renowned American literary critic, born on July 23, 1912, in Long Branch, New Jersey. Abrams is best known for his influential work in the field of literary theory and criticism. He was a professor at Cornell University for nearly four decades and made significant contributions to the understanding of Romantic literature. Abrams’ most celebrated work, “The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition,” published in 1953, revolutionized the study of Romantic literature. The book contrasts two major literary theories: the “mirror,” which reflects the natural world, and the “lamp,” which projects the internal world of the artist. This seminal text is considered a cornerstone in the field of literary criticism. In addition to his scholarly works, Abrams served as the general editor of “The Norton Anthology of English Literature” from its inception in 1962 until 2000. His editorial leadership helped shape the anthology into one of the most widely used and respected college textbooks in the United States. Abrams’ academic career was decorated with numerous awards and honors, including election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His legacy continues to influence students, scholars, and literary enthusiasts around the globe.

5 Interesting Facts about M. H. Abrams

1. M. H. Abrams served as the general editor of “The Norton Anthology of English Literature” for nearly 40 years.

2. He was a Guggenheim Fellow and a Fulbright Scholar.

3. Abrams was one of the first literary critics to explore the relationship between literature and philosophy.

4. He received the National Humanities Medal in 2005.

5. Abrams was known for his engaging lectures and was highly regarded by his students at Cornell University.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from M. H. Abrams

1. “If you read quickly to get through a book to say you’ve read it, you gain nothing.”

2. “The survival of artistic modes in which we recognize ourselves, identify ourselves, and place ourselves will determine the extent to which we are civilized.”

3. “We are human precisely in respect to the symbolic forms in which we display ourselves and in which we develop our unique capabilities.”

4. “The Romantic period was one of major social change, and literature reflected those changes.”

5. “The critic’s task should be to illuminate the text, not to obscure it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

M. H. Abrams’ highest net worth is not publicly documented, but as an esteemed academic and editor, his influence and contributions to literary criticism and education were invaluable.