Harold Bloom was one of the most influential literary critics of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Born on July 11, 1930, in New York City, Bloom's academic career was marked by his profound insights into literature, particularly the Western Canon, which he both defended and expanded upon.
Bloom grew up in a Yiddish-speaking Orthodox Jewish household in Bronx. His early education was steeped in religious texts, but his love for literature was ignited by reading William Shakespeare at a young age. He attended Cornell University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1951. His graduate studies were completed at Yale University, where he received his Ph.D. in 1955.
After completing his doctorate, Bloom joined the faculty at Yale, where he would spend much of his career. His work at Yale was characterized by his development of the theory of the Anxiety of Influence, detailed in his seminal book of the same name published in 1973. This theory explores how poets struggle against the influence of their predecessors, attempting to carve out their own unique space in literary history.
Bloom's prolific writing career included over 40 books, many of which are considered essential reading for students of literature. Some of his notable works include:
Bloom's approach to literary criticism was often described as traditionalist or even conservative in the context of the increasingly diverse and politically engaged academic landscape. Here are some of his key contributions:
Harold Bloom passed away on October 14, 2019. His work has left an indelible mark on literary studies, influencing both his contemporaries and subsequent generations of critics. Despite his often contentious views, his contributions to understanding the dynamics of literary creation and the canon remain central to discussions in literary theory.