ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by surveying the origins and evolution of the idea of a canon from antiquity to the Middle Ages. It then shows that the creation of vernacular literary canons came only after the institutionalization of the vernacular languages, the consolidation of modern nation-states, and the spread of nationalist ideologies. The chapter analyzes the notion that the crisis of canonical legitimization today signals a deeper cultural crisis. Three major features distinguish modern literary canonization from the ancient and medieval periods. First, certain material and social conditions developed that changed the nature of literary production, distribution, and reception. Second, the incorporation of the modern nation-state and its increasing influence as a primary form of cultural identity helped to fix distinct national canons. And third, the comparatively recent creation of specific courses dedicated to study of secular literature in schools and universities— in a manner quite different from the medieval concern with grammar— helped to canonize selected works in standardized curricula.
