Decadence: A Literary History

Decadence was a literary style that flourished in France and Britain in the late 19th century. This book offers a comprehensive history of Decadent literature, exploring its obsession with classical cultures, responses to the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the role of women writers. It features essays by leading scholars on various topics, including sexuality, politics, science, translation, and cinema.

Format: Hardback
Length: 530 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Decadence, a captivating literary phenomenon that flourished in France during the Second Empire and in the final two decades of the nineteenth century in Britain, continues to captivate our imagination. However, the ambiguity of the term "decadence" and the complexities involved in identifying its practitioners make it challenging to fully comprehend its essence. This book offers a comprehensive historical account of literary decadence, exploring various aspects such as the fascination with classical cultures, the responses to the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, and the role played by women writers.

The essays included in this volume challenge and expand the traditional frameworks for understanding decadent literature, while also placing renewed emphasis on the contributions of women writers. Drawing from a range of disciplines, including sexuality, politics, science, translation, the New Woman, Russian and Spanish American Decadence, the influence of cinema on decadence, and many other topics, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the literature of the 1890s and the renowned Oscar Wilde.

By delving into the complexities of decadence, this book provides a deeper understanding of the cultural and social contexts of the 1890s, shedding light on the societal transformations and the artistic expressions that emerged during this period. It serves as a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies and offers a rich tapestry of insights into the literary and cultural landscape of the late nineteenth century.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108426299