but

[jasonlulu_2000]

The great works tell us how earlier ages imagined the world, but, if they are truly great, speak to us of our lives too.

1. I cannot understand the underlined "but". Is it the same as "not only,,,but also"?
If so, should I say "The great works not only tell us..., but, if they are truly greatly, speak to us of our lives too" instead?

2. Does "of" here mean the same as "about"?

Thanks!

Jason

[Raymott]

The great works tell us how earlier ages imagined the world, but, if they are truly great, speak to us of our lives too.

1. I cannot understand the underlined "but". Is it the same as "not only,,,but also"?
If so, should I say "The great works not only tell us..., but, if they are truly greatly, speak to us of our lives too" instead?

2. Does "of" here mean the same as "about"?

Thanks!

Jason

Yes. It means something like, "The great works not only tell us how earlier ages imagined the world, but also, if they are truly great, speak to us about our lives."