British Literature in Transition, 1980-2000: Accelerated Times

This volume traces the emergence and evolution of literary trends as well as enduring transitional shifts in genre, tone, style and thematic preoccupation in British Literature from 1980–2000. The book is of interest to students and academics researching the period, as well as the common reader.

Format: Hardback
Length: 390 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The literature of Britain's final twenty years stands as a remarkable testament to the turbulent and transformative forces of transitional history. In the wake of the 1970s, a period of immense hope and ambition, the nation sought to modernize and become more efficient, paving the way for a fundamental domestic shake-up that would be spearheaded by Margaret Thatcher's neoliberal revolution (1979-90). As the Cold War drew to a close, Europe embarked on a radical rejuvenation, while the world at large embraced new levels of connectivity and proximity facilitated by rapid advancements in communication technology.

However, the challenges did not end there. In the 1990s, Britons were confronted with a series of significant developments, including internal devolution and the emergence of a brand-new European and global order. This volume aims to explore how British literature recorded and responded to these contemporaneous historical changes. It delves into the emergence and evolution of literary trends, as well as the enduring transitional shifts in genre, tone, style, and thematic preoccupations that marked this period.

The literature of the 1970s was characterized by a sense of experimentation and exploration, as writers sought to break free from the constraints of traditional forms and genres. This era saw the rise of postmodernism, with its fragmented narratives, self-reflexive irony, and playful subversion of established conventions. Authors such as J.G. Ballard, David Bowie, and William Gibson emerged as pioneers of this movement, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in literature.

At the same time, the 1970s also witnessed the emergence of feminist literature, which challenged the dominant male-dominated narrative and explored the experiences and struggles of women. Writers such as Virginia Woolf, Simone de Beauvoir, and bell hooks emerged as influential figures in this field, using their writing to advocate for gender equality and social justice.

In the 1980s, the political landscape of Britain underwent significant changes, with the rise of Thatcherism and the Conservative Party. This period saw the implementation of neoliberal policies, which aimed to deregulate the economy, reduce government intervention, and promote private enterprise. The effects of these policies were profound, and they had a significant impact on British literature.

Authors such as Martin Amis, Ian McEwan, and Salman Rushdie began to explore the social and political implications of Thatcherism in their writing. Amis's novel "London Fields" (1989) depicted a dystopian future in which Thatcherism had gone unchecked, while McEwan's "Atonement" (1995) explored the complexities of love and forgiveness in a post-Thatcherian world. Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses" (1988) was controversial for its portrayal of Islam and its criticism of Western imperialism.

The 1990s saw the continued evolution of British literature, as authors responded to the changing political and social landscape. The rise of globalization and the advent of the internet had a profound impact on literature, as writers began to explore the complexities of cross-cultural relationships and the impact of technology on human society.

Authors such as Zadie Smith, David Mitchell, and Jonathan Franzen emerged as leading figures in this period, using their writing to explore the themes of identity, culture, and technology. Smith's novel "White Teeth" (2000) depicted a young woman's journey through London's hip-hop scene, while Mitchell's novel "Cloud Atlas" (2004) explored the interconnectedness of different historical periods and the effects of technology on human society. Franzen's novel "The Corrections" (2001) was a critical success, exploring the complexities of family relationships and the American Dream.

In conclusion, the literature of twentieth-century Britain's final twenty years represents a crash course in transitional history. From the hopeful aspirations of the 1970s to the challenges of the 1990s, British literature has recorded and responded to the changing political, social, and cultural landscape. It has explored the emergence and evolution of literary trends, as well as the enduring transitional shifts in genre, tone, style, and thematic preoccupations that have shaped this period. Through their writing, authors have played a vital role.

Weight: 702g
Dimension: 231 x 166 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107121423