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BARFIELD, R., The Ancient Quarrel between Philosophy and Poetry. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (...), 2013. X,278p. Paperback. 'From its beginnings, philosophy’s language, concepts, and imaginative growth have been heavily influenced by poetry. Drawing upon the works of a wide range of thinkers throughout the history of Western philosophy, Barfield explores the pervasiveness of poetry’s impact on philosophy and, conversely, how philosophy has sometimes resisted or denied poetry’s influence. Although some thinkers, such as Vico and Nietzsche, praised the wisdom of poets and saw poetry and philosophy as mutually beneficial pursuits, others have resented, diminished or eliminated the importance of poetry in philosophy. Barfield’s book traces the history of this ancient quarrel between philosophy and poetry through the works of thinkers ranging from Plato to Bakhtin. (...) Unlike the previous chapters, I am less persuaded by Barfield’s use of the poetic and prose wisdom dichotomy in Bakhtin’s thought, as Bakhtin is not really concerned with philosophy or its relationship to poetry. The one exception in Bakhtin’s writing is his first work – one not mentioned by Barfield – Toward a Philosophy of the Act, in which Bakhtin rejects a Kantian ethics for an existential relational one. Although the novelist’s consciousness potentially can be a site where poetry and philosophy quarrel, it does not necessarily have to be, as other voices are permitted in the conversation. However, this is a minor criticism to a philosophically ambitious and accessible book about the relationship between philosophy and poetry. Not only does Barfield provide the overarching thought of each thinker he examines, but he also shows how their thought can contribute to their and our understanding of the place of philosophy, poetry, and the pursuit of the truth. It is highly recommended for those interested in this subject and makes a lasting contribution to the scholarship on this question.' (LEE TREPANIER on the hardback edition in Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2011.12.26). € 42.00 (Antiquarian) ISBN: 9781107677845