British Literature in Transition, 1900-1920: A New Age?

During the first two decades of the twentieth century,Britain's imperial power and influence was at its height, with adventurers, aviators, and new media technologies transforming communication. It was also a period of social upheaval, violence, insurrection, and political agitation, and imperial conflicts that would encompass continents. British Literature in Transition, 1900–1920: A New Age? explores the writing of this extraordinary period in all its complexity and vibrancy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the early 20th century, Britain's imperial power and influence reached unprecedented heights. These were years of audacious exploration, where intrepid adventurers delved into the depths of the ocean and the far-off poles, daring aviators soared through the skies, and revolutionary new media technologies transformed the way we communicate. Simultaneously, they were years of profound social upheaval, as long-suppressed voices, particularly those of women, workers, and colonial subjects, clamored for recognition and equality. The air was filled with the sounds of protests, insurrection, and political agitation, as imperial conflicts spread across continents, shaping the world in profound ways.

British Literature in Transition, 1900–1920: A New Age? delves into the rich tapestry of this extraordinary period, examining the writing of this time in all its intricate and vibrant complexity. It explores the diverse range of literary movements and genres that emerged during this period, from the experimental and avant-garde to the traditional and conservative. The book examines the ways in which these writers responded to the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of their time, grappling with issues such as gender roles, class struggles, imperialism, and the search for identity.

One of the key themes of the book is the emergence of a new consciousness among British writers, a sense of self-awareness and a willingness to challenge traditional narratives and conventions. This period saw the rise of modernism, a literary movement that sought to break free from the constraints of traditional forms and explore new ways of expressing the human experience. Writers such as Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and Ezra Pound were at the forefront of this movement, using their innovative prose and experimental techniques to challenge the status quo and explore the depths of the human mind.

Another important theme of the book is the impact of World War I on British literature. The war brought about a profound sense of loss and trauma, as millions of lives were lost and the world was plunged into chaos. Writers such as Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, and Robert Graves were among those who responded to the war by writing powerful and emotional poetry that captured the horror and devastation of the conflict. Their works helped to shape a new sense of national identity and a renewed appreciation for the value of peace and human life.

In addition to exploring the literary and cultural aspects of this period, British Literature in Transition, 1900–1920: A New Age? also considers the social and political context in which the writing was produced. The book examines the rise of fascism and the emergence of totalitarian regimes in Europe, as well as the impact of these movements on British literature and culture. It explores the ways in which writers responded to the threat of fascism and the rise of authoritarianism, using their work to challenge the power of the state and promote social and political change.

Overall, British Literature in Transition, 1900–1920: A New Age? is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of a pivotal period in British history. It provides a rich and detailed account of the literary, cultural, and social developments of this time, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities and contradictions of a period that shaped the world we live in today. Whether you are a student of literature, history, or social sciences.

Weight: 732g
Dimension: 161 x 234 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108491754
Edition number: New ed