A history of Victorian literature / James Eli Adams.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Incorporating a broad range of contemporary scholarship, A History of Victorian Literature presents an overview of the literature produced in Great Britain between 1830 and 1900, with fresh consideration of both major figures and some of the era's less familiar authors. Part of the Blackwell Histories of Literature series, the book describes the development of the Victorian literary movement and places it within its cultural, social and political context. A wide-ranging narrative overview of literature in Great Britain between 1830 and 1900, capturing the extraordinary variety of literary output produced during this era Analyzes the development of all literary forms during this period - the novel, poetry, drama, autobiography and critical prose - in conjunction with major developments in social and intellectual history Considers the ways in which writers engaged with new forms of social responsibility in their work, as Britain transformed into the world's first industrial economy Offers a fresh perspective on the work of both major figures and some of the era's less familiar authors

Winner of a Choice Outstanding Academic Title award, 2009

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Offering a narrative history of Victorian literature designed for "students and general readers" in slightly more than 400 pages may be an audacious act, but Adams (Cornell Univ.)--as author of Dandies and Desert Saints: Styles in Victorian Masculinity (CH, May'96, 33-4943), general editor of the Encyclopedia of the Victorian Era (CH, Sep'04, 42-0047), and coeditor (with Andrew Miller) of Sexualities in Victorian Britain (1996)--certainly has the credibility to attempt such a project. Indeed, this history is a resounding success and makes for fascinating reading. Though Adams's intended broad audience prevents him from engaging extensively with academic criticism (he does consistently refer to Victorian reviews), he achieves a marvelous balance between chronological and thematic organizing principles. Adams weights the book toward major, canonical figures, but he references less-familiar authors and their works. Throughout his prose is clear and unpretentious--in short, entirely appropriate for his intended audience. Though specialists may quibble over what Adams chooses to omit from this concise account, this (rather expensive) book is a remarkable achievement. Summing Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers. R. D. Morrison Morehead State University