Literature

The word 'literature' means 'acquaintance with letters' but I have to say I think of my books as my friends. How many of us feel comforted to have magazines around, and books of our favourite stories, or books that give us confidence just by owning them - giving us helpful information on how to look after our health, grow our food in the garden, do simple repairs etc.

Literature comes from the Latin word 'littera' which means 'an individual written character, or letter'. We may be used to thinking that this word only means well-recognised classic texts such as Shakespeare or famous poetry. But actually the writing of text has always crossed over boundaries and can include the oldest writings in cave paintings, carving on an ancient stone, illustrated stories that may have been thought of as popular trivia when they were written but now are looked on as classic collector items. And don't forget those most interesting glimpses of personal life through history uniquely described in people's diaries: Samuel Pepys, Anne Frank and Bridget Jones!

Different periods through history tended to have their own main themes of texts. Early texts were often about religion in times when many ordinary people could not write or read but scholastic monks would beautifully & meticulously handwrite & illustrate religious texts in Latin, or their own language. In the Middle Ages more romantic & exotic writings started & have flourished ever since. After the Middle Ages came Renaissance philosophy following on to the 'Age of Reason' in the late 17th century which was also sometimes called the 'Age of Rationalism'.

Nowadays, of course, you can find books & literature on absolutely everything & don't forget a whole wealth of texts that are now widely available to so many of us on the internet! - either to read online, or telling us where to find it, or how to order it. Never before has such a treasure trove of writings been so available to so many people all over the world.