The Third Earl of Shaftesbury - Literary and Aesthetic Study

In this review of The Third Earl of Shaftesbury readers get a focused, scholarly account of an eighteenth century thinker whose influence on literature has been underappreciated. R.L. Brett offers a readable examination of Shaftesbury's aesthetic and literary theory, making this edition valuable for those interested in the development of the aesthetic judgment and the early roots of the Moral Sense tradition. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its thoughtful linking of Shaftesbury's ideas to later figures such as Burke, Coleridge and Kant, which clarifies his role in literary history.

Key Features

• Aesthetic and literary theory: The study explains Shaftesbury's views on imagination and aesthetic judgment, providing clear context for his place in eighteenth century thought.
• Discussion of the sublime: Brett outlines Shaftesbury's approach to the sublime and how it prefigures later philosophical treatments, helping readers trace intellectual continuities.
• Examination of ridicule: The book addresses Shaftesbury's treatment of ridicule, useful for understanding literary taste and criticism in the Augustan period.
• Influence on later writers: The text draws explicit lines to Burke, Coleridge and Kant, allowing readers to appreciate Shaftesbury's anticipatory importance.
• Cultural and practical impact: The author also considers Shaftesbury's effect on literature, architecture and landscape gardening, broadening the book's relevance beyond philosophy.

Who It's For

This book is best suited to students, literary historians and general readers who want a concise, scholarly account of Shaftesbury's contributions to eighteenth century literature and aesthetics. It functions well as secondary reading for courses in literary criticism or intellectual history.

Readers seeking an exhaustive primary-source edition or a popular biography should look elsewhere; this is a critical study focused on interpretation and influence rather than a comprehensive life history or annotated collection of Shaftesbury's writings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear exposition of Shaftesbury's aesthetic theory that makes complex ideas accessible to non-specialists.
• Useful comparative analysis linking Shaftesbury to Burke, Coleridge and Kant, which aids understanding of later developments.
• Broad cultural perspective showing influence in literature, architecture and landscape gardening.

Cons

• Not a primary-source edition, so readers looking for original writings in full will need complementary texts.

Specifications

Title	The Third Earl of Shaftesbury
Series	Routledge Library Editions: 18th Century Literature
Author	R.L. Brett
Original publication	1951 (study originally published)
Subject focus	Aesthetic and literary theory, imagination, ridicule, sublime
Scope	Influence on literature, architecture and landscape gardening

Our Verdict

R.L. Brett's study provides a concise, informed reassessment of Shaftesbury's literary importance and is good value for readers seeking interpretive clarity rather than exhaustive primary texts. It is recommended for students and scholars who want a focused, historically minded analysis that connects eighteenth century aesthetics to later thinkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include Shaftesbury's original writings?
No, it is a critical study and interpretation rather than a collected edition of primary texts.

Is this suitable for undergraduate courses?
Yes, it works well as secondary reading in literature, criticism, or intellectual history courses.

Does the book cover Shaftesbury's influence beyond philosophy?
Yes, the author discusses effects on literature, architecture and landscape gardening as part of the broader context.