Mapping World Literature: International Canonization and Transnational Literatures

Thomsen (comparative literature, U. of Aarhus, Denmark) examines the structure and evolution of world literature as it is viewed in the Western world. His intent is to present thoughts analyzing the transformation of world literature and its relationship to the "international canonization" of world literature and its authors. The varied nature and origins of literature present challenges: some works and the cultures they came from are relatively new, some relatively old; some have been subject to continuous outside influence, and some have been relatively untouched. The four chapters explore the history and concept of world literature, shifting focal points in the international body of work, migrant writers and cosmopolitan culture, and aesthetics and ethics in traumatic literature. Appropriate audiences for the book include both students and researchers in world and comparative literature. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)