Empirical factors in the constitution of literary canon

Abstract

The canon is essentially a traditionally accepted list of authors. Its value lies in its role in literary history itself. However, it cannot be accepted uncritically. When it is necessary to clarify it, may be useful to employ empirically testable factors to correct its bias by using issues relevant to the socio-historical study of literature. Variables here proposed (including several bibliometric ones) are: the historical significance of an author’s influence, how representative is an author of the literary movements of a given period, his or her aesthetic innovations, visibility and impact levels and rate of productivity.