Byron's Don Juan: The Liberal Epic of the Nineteenth Century

In his book "Don Juan: The Epic Poem of Its Age," Richard Cronin argues that Byron's "Don Juan" is the epic poem of the nineteenth century, representing an era defined by newspapers and magazines. He explores the poem's form, hero, reception, and influence on later literature, highlighting its defense of liberal thinking at a time when it was under threat.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this groundbreaking exploration of Byron's iconic masterpiece, Richard Cronin presents Don Juan as the defining epic poem of its era. Spanning the entire literary nineteenth century, he offers a profound lens through which to understand the complexities of that time. By examining the poem's form and choice of hero, he delves into the controversies surrounding its reception, its contemporary interactions, and its enduring influence on subsequent nineteenth-century literature.

Cronin argues that Don Juan emerges as a response to an age characterized by cant and dissembling, where the connection between people's feelings and the world they inhabited had become strained. Within this poem, he discovers a powerful defense of liberal thinking, a philosophy that was under threat at the time.

Don Juan is a testament to Byron's unparalleled poetic prowess, as he weaves together a tapestry of vivid imagery, rich metaphor, and profound themes. Through the character of Don Juan, Byron explores the complexities of human nature, the allure of power, the consequences of ambition, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and bewildering.

This study is a significant contribution to Byron scholarship, offering fresh insights and perspectives on one of the greatest works of literature in history. It will appeal to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the nineteenth century, literature, and the enduring power of poetic expression.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009366236