Words with Power

By Northrop Frye

Published: 1992

Words with PowerBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

In Words With Power, literary critic and theorist Northrop Frye continues his exploration, begun in The Great Code, of the influence of Biblical themes and forms of expression on Western literature, with discussions of authors ranging from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Yeats and Eliot. Frye identifies four key elements found in the Bible--the mountain, the garden, the cave, and the furnace--and describes how they recur in later secular writings.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Words with Power

About the Author

N

Northrop Frye

Northrop Frye (1912-1991) was a prominent Canadian literary critic, theorist, and educator, renowned for his profound insights into literature and its underlying structures. He is best known for his influential works, including "Anatomy of Criticism" (1957), which outlines a comprehensive framework for literary analysis, and "The Educated Imagination" (1963), where he explores the power of literature in shaping the human experience. Frye's writing style is characterized by its clarity and depth, often blending philosophical inquiry with literary criticism. He is credited for his contributions to the study of myth and archetype in literature, which continue to resonate in contemporary literary studies.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Northrop Frye
Published
January 1992
Publisher
Harvest Books
ISBN
N/A
Language
English
Pages
376
Genres
Literary CriticismLiterature

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

How to Read a BookBook binding

How to Read a Book

Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

Becoming WiseBook binding

Becoming Wise

Krista Tippett

Return to the Little KingdomBook binding

Return to the Little Kingdom

Michael Moritz

A Literary Companion to ScienceBook binding

A Literary Companion to Science

Walter Bruno Gratzer

A History of Economic TheoryBook binding

A History of Economic Theory

Jürg Niehans

A Sense of Where You AreBook binding

A Sense of Where You Are

John McPhee

BuzzedBook binding

Buzzed

Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder, Wilkie Wilson, Leigh Heather Wilson, Jeremy Foster

Design for Real LifeBook binding

Design for Real Life

Eric A. Meyer, Sara Wachter-Boettcher

Beyträge Zur Vaterländischen Historie, Geographie, Staatistik, Und Landwirthschaft, Samt Einer Uebersicht Der Schönen Litteratur.Book binding

Beyträge Zur Vaterländischen Historie, Geographie, Staatistik, Und Landwirthschaft, Samt Einer Uebersicht Der Schönen Litteratur.

Lorenz Von Westenrieder

The Fry ChroniclesBook binding

The Fry Chronicles

Stephen Fry

ArcadiaBook binding

Arcadia

Tom Stoppard

George's Marvelous MedicineBook binding

George's Marvelous Medicine

Roald Dahl

300 ArgumentsBook binding

300 Arguments

Sarah Manguso

Notes on CampBook binding

Notes on Camp

Susan Sontag

Hard LandingBook binding

Hard Landing

Thomas Petzinger, Jr.

Essential EnneagramBook binding

Essential Enneagram

David Daniels, Virginia Price

A Guide to EconometricsBook binding

A Guide to Econometrics

Peter Kennedy

American CaesarBook binding

American Caesar

William Manchester

The Opposite of SpoiledBook binding

The Opposite of Spoiled

Ron Lieber

Richard NixonBook binding

Richard Nixon

John A. Farrell

Meetings with Remarkable MenBook binding

Meetings with Remarkable Men

G. GURDJIEFF

A Collection of EssaysBook binding

A Collection of Essays

George Orwell

In Bluebeard's CastleBook binding

In Bluebeard's Castle

George Steiner

Rules of the Red Rubber BallBook binding

Rules of the Red Rubber Ball

Kevin Carroll

The HoursBook binding

The Hours

Michael Cunningham

Dead GirlsBook binding

Dead Girls

Alice Bolin

The First 20 HoursBook binding

The First 20 Hours

Josh Kaufman

Charlesgate ConfidentialBook binding

Charlesgate Confidential

Scott Von Doviak

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.

View Collection
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

View Collection
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.

View Collection
David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair is an Australian biologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, known for his pioneering research in the field of aging and longevity. Sinclair's work focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that drive aging and developing interventions to slow or reverse the process. His bestselling book Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To explores the latest advancements in anti-aging science and offers insights into how humans might extend their healthspan. Sinclair's research has led to breakthroughs in areas such as sirtuins, NAD+ metabolism, and cellular reprogramming. He is also the co-founder of several biotech companies, including Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and Life Biosciences, dedicated to translating aging research into practical treatments. Sinclair is a vocal advocate for taking a proactive approach to aging, promoting lifestyle changes and emerging therapies to delay age-related diseases. His work has made him a leading figure in the longevity movement, influencing both scientific and public discourse on the future of health.

View Collection
Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg is an influential American entrepreneur and web developer, best known for co-founding WordPress, the open-source software that powers over 40% of the web. Born in 1984 in Houston, Texas, Mullenweg's work has revolutionized digital publishing and democratized web content creation. As the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, he has expanded the platform's reach and capabilities, fostering a vibrant community of developers and users. Mullenweg is also an advocate for open-source software and has contributed significantly to its proliferation and adoption. His impact on digital literature and publishing is profound, enabling countless individuals and organizations to share their voices online.

View Collection
Guillermo del Toro's Book Recommendations

Guillermo del Toro's Book Recommendations

Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican filmmaker, author, and producer known for his dark fantasy and horror films, including Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Del Toro’s films often blend elements of fairy tales with gothic horror, exploring themes of humanity and monstrosity. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for The Shape of Water in 2018. Del Toro is also a passionate advocate for the preservation of film history and a mentor to emerging filmmakers. His unique visual style and storytelling have made him one of the most respected directors in modern cinema.

View Collection
Dennis Prager's Book Recommendations

Dennis Prager's Book Recommendations

Dennis Prager is an American conservative radio talk show host, writer, and public speaker, best known for his influential role in broadcasting and his extensive contributions to political commentary. He co-founded PragerU, a non-profit organization that produces short educational videos on various topics, which has garnered millions of views worldwide. As an author, Prager has written several best-selling books, including "Still the Best Hope," "The Rational Bible," and "Happiness Is a Serious Problem." His works often explore themes of religion, morality, and American values. Additionally, Prager's columns and essays have been widely published, solidifying his status as a prominent voice in contemporary conservative thought.

View Collection
Brian MacKenzie's Book Recommendations

Brian MacKenzie's Book Recommendations

Brian MacKenzie is a celebrated author known for his insightful explorations of human psychology and societal structures. His groundbreaking novel, "Echoes of the Mind," won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, solidifying his place in contemporary literature. MacKenzie's works often blend intricate narratives with deep philosophical inquiries, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. He has also contributed extensively to literary journals, offering essays that dissect modern existential dilemmas. Beyond his writing, MacKenzie is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, frequently speaking at international conferences and seminars.

View Collection
Kevin Systrom's Book Recommendations

Kevin Systrom's Book Recommendations

Kevin Systrom is best known as the co-founder of Instagram, a social media platform that has revolutionized visual storytelling and digital communication. Although not primarily known for contributions to literature, Systrom's work has significantly influenced modern narratives through the lens of technology and social media. His innovative approach has enabled millions to share their stories and experiences globally, altering the landscape of contemporary storytelling. Systrom's impact extends beyond tech, as his vision has inspired a new genre of digital content creation. His achievements underscore the intersection of technology and culture, shaping the way stories are told and consumed in the digital age.

View Collection
Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations

Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations

Benedict Evans is a renowned technology analyst and commentator, acclaimed for his insightful analyses on technology trends and their societal impacts. With a background in venture capital and strategic consulting, Evans has become a prominent voice in the tech community through his thought-provoking essays and presentations. His work often explores the intersection of mobile technology, media, and internet platforms, offering a nuanced understanding of complex tech ecosystems. Evans is widely respected for his ability to distill intricate technological developments into accessible and compelling narratives. His contributions have significantly influenced industry leaders and informed public discourse on the future of technology.

View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.

View Collection
Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr is an American comedian, actor, and podcaster, known for his biting, no-nonsense style of humor that often tackles controversial topics with sharp wit. Burr has released several successful stand-up specials, including Paper Tiger and Walk Your Way Out, and is the co-creator of the animated sitcom F Is for Family. He also hosts the Monday Morning Podcast, where he shares his unfiltered thoughts on everything from current events to personal stories. Burr’s honest, raw comedic style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and has made him one of the most respected comedians in the industry.

View Collection
Rolf Potts's Book Recommendations

Rolf Potts's Book Recommendations

Rolf Potts is a renowned travel writer best known for his influential book "Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel," which has inspired countless readers to explore the world on their own terms. Born in 1970, Potts has contributed to numerous prestigious publications such as National Geographic Traveler, The New Yorker, and The New York Times. He is celebrated for his emphasis on the philosophy of travel as a means of personal growth and cultural understanding. Potts has also taught writing at institutions like Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania. His work continues to shape the travel writing genre and inspire adventurers around the globe.

View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions