Focus: French and English criticism from 1815-1848. Sainte-Beuve, Stendhal, and the rise of the "critic-journalist." Wellek is critical of Sainte-Beuve’s biographical method, preferring systematic theory over anecdotal impressionism.
The consensus among modern theorists (e.g., Terry Eagleton, Harold Bloom) is a resounding . Here is why: a history of modern criticism rene wellek pdf
– Unlike many national histories, Wellek integrates German, French, English, Italian, Russian, and Spanish criticism, showing cross-influences. Focus: French and English criticism from 1815-1848