Burke to Byron

by Jane Stabler

Definitions of the Romantic period have undergone considerable change in the last few years. Beyond the careers of the 'Big Six' (Blake, Wordsworth, Byron, Coleridge, Shelley and Keats), critics have begun to recognise a much fuller range of writers flourishing in the second half of the eighteenth century and the first half of the nineteenth. Who were these other writers whose popularity threatened the fame of Wordsworth, Coleridge and Byron? What happens to our understanding of canonical authors when we place them in the context of the print culture of their own time?
This book is an accessible and stimulating account of the recent vital changes in critical perceptions of Romanticism. It will enable students and teachers to navigate the new diversities and complexities of Romantic studies, providing a fresh, readable reassessment of a controversial and exciting period.

326 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 2001

Reviews

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've written multiple papers off this book. I very seldom recommend academic books, but this one in particular draws parallels and influences in a very readable manner. Romantic literature is sometimes seen as starting earlier than 1790, which would be one drawback to the book. It does however include a good chronology in the back and enough explanation of French politics and history to give a background to the reading. I strongly admire it's analytical skills in terms of literary contexts and precedents. Well presented and well organized.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very good, and informative, but sort of dry.