Why Literature Still Matters

By: Jason M. Baxter

Narrated by: Jason M. Baxter

In this second edition of his wide-ranging and accessible work, Jason M. Baxter puts our contemporary culture in conversation with literature and its “sister arts” to make the compelling—and sometimes chilling—case not just for the relevance but urgency of the humane tradition as we enter our “digital apocalypse.” Baxter draws on his areas of expertise, Dante and C.S. Lewis; his background in teaching the great books, art history, and music history; as well as his own travel literature to give his listeners an almost sensuous feeling for what the alternative to our tech-obsessed culture is.

©2024 Jason M. Baxter (P)2025 Jason M. Baxter

Feel Baxter's ideas in your pulse, veins & nerves

Having taken multiple online classes with Dr. Baxter, I've experienced his enthusiasm, urgency and warm generosity when it comes to the ideas he cares about most. Why Literature Still Matters began as lectures for his students and in his personal audio narration of the book, his words wondrous seep into your heart and veins and nerves. The words on the pages of his book become palpable. His emphasis on certain phrases, poems and ideas will call forth your attention and you'll scramble to your book to underline his soul-piercing thoughts. Walk with him as he guides you back toward an ordered and harmonious life, away from the periphery of your being, where you see and taste beauty and swim in the landscapes of literature and music. If you don’t already own the physical book, you’ll want to buy it from his personal website where he will send you a signed copy wrapped up in pages of his lecture notes!

An honest, succinct reminder of what we dare not forget.

[sorry, don’t have time to comment. i am reading Dante. i am sure Mr. Baxter understands]

Beauty after the apocalypse

For everyone who loves to read old books—and everyone who wonders why anyone would bother. And especially for those who are tired of living shallow lives having shallow thoughts. Baxter shows clearly how literature and her sister arts are a necessary and nourishing sustenance for our souls. A must read on the path towards being more human.

Must read in today’s world!

I love how he strings together his points. It truly touches my heart especially in the way of our world. Everyone should read or listen to this book!

Jason Baxter's - Why Literature Still Matters

Loved this wonderful, easy to listen to, (but profound) explanation of our need to reconnect with all that is great and beautiful in classic Literature...for what is there helps reveal what is great and beautiful in life--and ultimately satisfying to the human soul.