M. H. Abrams Meyer Howard `` Mike '' Abrams ( July 23 , 1912 -- April 21 , 2015 ) , usually cited as M. H. Abrams , was an American literary critic , known for works on romanticism , in particular his book `` The Mirror and the Lamp '' .
M. H. Abrams Meyer ( Mike ) Howard Abrams ( July 23 , 1912 -- April 21 , 2015 ) , usually cited as M. H. Abrams , was an American literary critic . He was known for works on Romanticism , in particular his book `` The Mirror and the Lamp '' .