Birds in Eighteenth-Century Literature: Reason, Emotion, and Ornithology, 1700-1840

This book explores how birds populate and generate cultural meaning in literary and non-literary genres from 1700-1840, considering a wide range of authors and ecosystems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2020
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of literary representations of birds across the globe, shedding light on the intricate interplay between expanding European colonialism and the cultural significance of these feathered creatures. Spanning from 1700 to 1840, it offers insightful new perspectives on the ways birds populate and generate cultural meaning in a diverse array of literary and non-literary genres, traversing across vast ecosystems and bioregions. The author's meticulous exploration encompasses a wide range of authors, some of the most celebrated figures in eighteenth-century literature, including John Gay, Henry Fielding, Laurence Sterne, Anna Letitia Barbauld, William Cowper, Mary Wollstonecraft, Thomas Bewick, Charlotte Smith, William Wordsworth, and Gilbert White.

Through their writings, these authors capture the diverse roles that birds play in human societies, from symbolic representations of freedom and beauty to utilitarian purposes in agriculture and commerce. The book explores how birds become intertwined with the broader themes of imperialism, exploration, and the natural world, reflecting the complex and multifaceted relationships between humans and their avian counterparts.

Moreover, the book offers valuable insights into the ecological and environmental aspects of bird life during this period. It sheds light on the impact of human activities on bird populations, such as hunting, habitat destruction, and the introduction of non-native species, and explores how these changes shape the cultural meanings and perceptions of birds.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, culture, and the natural world. It provides a fascinating window into the ways in which birds have been portrayed, interpreted, and celebrated throughout history, and offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between humans and birds in a changing world.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 156 x 219 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030327910
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020