I’ve tried to keep my additions to this list essential: works of art you need to see, read and hear in order to gain a basic understanding of the soul of the Western tradition. It’s no surprise that some of these works are difficult, whether because of archaic language or flat translations or deep, dense thought that needs to be untangled. What is a surprise is how many essential works aren’t difficult at all, just a sheer joy. But then, joy is the fruit of beauty and wisdom, and that's what art is for.
© 2024 Andrew Klavan
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