Alison Light Inside History: From Popular Fiction to Life-Writing

Inside History is a collection of thought-provoking essays by Alison Light, a major critic, that spans thirty-five years of her work. It provides a historicizing collection of essays that exemplify and open up feminist cultural politics to new readers. The volume offers a lively and readable feminist approach to a variety of texts and genres, including popular fiction, drama, film, and single authors. It extends current thinking on national identity and Englishness from a writer who helped open these fields. The essays and short think-pieces chart Alison Light's intellectual formation as a critic and writer within a wider collective politics, and are chronologically arranged.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

A comprehensive anthology of thought-provoking essays spanning thirty-five years of Alison Light's distinguished career, this collection provides a historicizing lens through which to explore feminist cultural politics. Serving as a gateway into a diverse array of texts and genres, including popular fiction, drama, film, and individual authors, all unified by a vibrant and accessible feminist approach, Inside History offers a profound exploration of contemporary issues. By delving into the complexities of national identity and Englishness, Light extends the boundaries of current thinking in these fields, resonating with the growing academic interest in life-writing. The book also includes shorter pieces that encapsulate complex arguments, alongside examples of the author's original life-writing, showcasing her exceptional talent for narrative. An autobiographical introduction contextualizes and historicizes Light's work, reflecting on its significance and impact. Within its pages, Alison Light addresses a range of central preoccupations within feminist cultural criticism during this transformative period. These include the nature of writing by women and the potential shared experiences they may possess; the role of such writing in literary history and cultural analysis; the politics of popular culture and the pursuit of pleasure; women's relationships with notions of national identity and other forms of belonging; and, ultimately, their contributions to life-writing across various genres.

Chronologically
arranged, the essays and short think-pieces within Inside History chart Alison Light's intellectual journey as a critic and writer, unfolding within the broader context of collective politics. This exploration is contextualized and illuminated through an autobiographical introduction, offering readers a deeper understanding of the influences and inspirations that shaped Light's perspective. By presenting a diverse range of voices and perspectives, Inside History fosters a lively and engaging exploration of feminist debates, touching upon notable authors such as Alice Walker, Virginia Woolf, and many others. Spanning genres, from memoir and biography to popular fiction, this anthology provides a comprehensive roadmap for those seeking to delve into the rich tapestry of feminist thought and its profound impact on our understanding of culture and society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474481724