Wellek is the kind of critic and theorist to whom one listens closely, even when not always agreeing; usually there is little to disagree about, because Wellek is the paramount example of a critic who's intent upon explaining simply and disinterestedly others' criticism. He takes his own positions, but only after a fair account of the subject. My particular fondness for Wellek lies in his introducing me to the Russian Formalists in his Concepts of Criticism. Not only did he discuss the Formalists, and not only did he record their views accurately, but he also agreed with much of what they said. Only a handful of critics can be found about whom the same might be said. Wellek saw the Formalists' thought as still something to be dealt with, rather than a minor note in literary history.

Everything in [The Attack on Literature and Other Essays] is worth...