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Originally Posted by Chester
I’m not following the implication here that non-fiction is somehow not "literature." I’m thinking of great theological or philosophical texts, or political treatises. It’s hard for me to consider, for example, Critique of Pure Reason, or The Ethics, or Essays Concerning Human Understanding, as anything other than literature. Or the Gettysburg Address for that matter. Certainly it seems to me there’s room on a literature forum for discussions of great non-fiction literary works.
Just a thought from a new guy making his first post. Am I wrong?
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The original poster mentioned:
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But there is a vast number of non-fictional topics from guides to Provence to books that explain viticulture or bee-keeping, books on French painting, violin-playing or -making, petit-point, American architecture, languages for learning & linguistics, the sciences, religion & spirituality, economics & finance, sports of many kinds, stamp collectiing, rock climbing, modern sculpture, Scandinavian films, etc., etc., etc.
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Most of these are a far cry from "great theological or philosophical texts, or political treatises." I have a friend who reads things like Montaigne's
Essays and Brillat-Sevarin's
Physiology of Taste, great numbers of them (and then he quotes them at me when he knows perfectly well what a feeble mind I have) and yes, they would be "literature" within the context of this forum, I believe. I read this original post more as the "how-tos" of non-fiction: references, guides, instructional manuals. In that context, I don't really think they fit the term "literature."
My advice to a new guy would be to discuss the works you enjoy. We've a diverse group here and it is growing every day. Someone will share your interest.