British Romanticism and Denmark

British Romanticism and Denmark explores the idea of a Northern cultural identity shared by Britain and Denmark, rooted in the classical Scandinavian past, and how it played a significant role in the emergence and development of Romanticism and Romantic nationalism in both countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

British Romanticism and Denmark serve as illuminating examples of how the articulation of a Northern cultural identity shared by Britain and Denmark, with its roots in the classical Scandinavian past, played a significant role in the emergence and development of Romanticism and Romantic nationalism in both countries. By drawing upon a diverse range of Nordic and Anglophone scholarship, this study presents fresh insights into British, Danish, and European Romanticisms, as well as the intricate interplay between them.

The concept of a shared Northern cultural identity among Britain and Denmark emerged during the British Romantic period, a time of profound cultural and intellectual transformation. This identity was rooted in the rich heritage of the Nordic region, with its ancient traditions, mythical tales, and rugged landscapes. Romantic writers and artists were captivated by the idea of a Northern identity, which they saw as a source of inspiration and unity.

In Britain, Romanticism took shape in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, driven by a desire for escape from the constraints of urban life and a longing for the natural beauty of the countryside. The works of poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats celebrated the power of nature and the human spirit, and they expressed a deep appreciation for the unique qualities of the Northern region.

Similarly, in Denmark, Romanticism emerged in the early 19th century, influenced by the country's own cultural traditions and the broader European Romantic movement. Danish writers and artists, such as Hans Christian Andersen, Jens Peter Jacobsen, and Ludvig Holberg, were drawn to the idea of a Northern identity, which they saw as a means of promoting national pride and cultural identity.

One of the key aspects of the Northern cultural identity articulated by Romanticism was its emphasis on the natural world and the importance of human connection with it. Romantic writers and artists sought to capture the essence of the natural world in their works, using vivid imagery and sensory language to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. They also emphasized the importance of individualism and self-expression, which they saw as essential to the development of a strong cultural identity.

Another important aspect of the Northern cultural identity was its connection to the past. Romantic writers and artists were deeply interested in the history and mythology of the Nordic region, and they used these sources to shape their own artistic visions. They saw the past as a source of wisdom and inspiration, and they used it to create a sense of continuity and tradition that could be shared by all members of a cultural community.

The articulation of a Northern cultural identity shared by Britain and Denmark played a significant role in the emergence and development of Romanticism and Romantic nationalism in both countries. Romanticism offered a means of expressing and celebrating the unique qualities of the Northern region, while Romantic nationalism provided a framework for promoting national pride and cultural identity.

In conclusion, British Romanticism and Denmark serve as illuminating examples of how the articulation of a Northern cultural identity shared by Britain and Denmark, with its roots in the classical Scandinavian past, played a significant role in the emergence and development of Romanticism and Romantic nationalism in both countries. By drawing upon a diverse range of Nordic and Anglophone scholarship, this study presents fresh insights into British, Danish, and European Romanticisms, as well as the intricate interplay between them. The concept of a shared Northern cultural identity continues to be a powerful force in contemporary culture, and it serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse heritage that can be found in the Nordic region.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474498227