Definition of "literary criticism" [literary criticism]

• The study, discussion, evaluation, and interpretation of literature. (noun)

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• "There is not much literary criticism in Longfellow's review, and he does not “rise to the level of the accomplished essayist” of our own time, [Footnote: Who writes so correctly and says so little to the purpose.] but he goes to the main point with the single-mindness of the true poet."
• "His crowning glory in the matter of literary criticism is that, as Ruskin told us, he was the first man in the literary circles of London to assert the value of Modern Painters."
• "All that literary criticism can do for the honour of his prose and verse has been done already: conscientiously by Mr. Saintsbury, affectionately and sympathetically by Mr. Herbert Paul, and with varying competence and skill by a host of minor critics."