Early Modern Women Writers Engendering Descent: Mary Sidney Herbert, Mary Sidney Wroth, and their Genealogical Cultures

This book explores how Mary Sidney Herbert and Mary Sidney Wroth used genealogical concepts like origin, descent, and inheritance to position themselves in relation to early modern England's rich ancestral cultures and to shape their works in response to how they were constructed as Sidneys, heirs, descendants, and future ancestors by writers within their familial communities and literary coteries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound literary works of Mary Sidney Herbert and Mary Sidney Wroth, exploring their intricate and nuanced use of figures of origin, descent, and inheritance. Through a meticulous examination of their poetry and prose, it sheds light on how these central women writers strategically positioned themselves within the rich tapestry of early modern England's ancestral cultures. By employing these genealogical concepts and other related notions, they crafted powerful narratives that addressed authorship, family, selfhood, and memory.

In turn, Sidney Herbert and Sidney Wroth also shaped their artistic creations in response to the ways in which writers within their familial communities and literary coteries perceived them as Sidneys, heirs, descendants, and future ancestors. Their diverse range of genres, including patronage dedications, pastoral eclogues, mythographic genealogies, and georgic poetry, served as vessels through which they expressed their unique perspectives and artistic visions.

At the heart of this book lies a compelling argument that Sidney Herbert and Sidney Wroth developed their authorship within the simultaneous rigidity and flexibility of their genealogical discourses. By navigating the complex web of lineage and heritage, they crafted narratives that resonated with the broader societal concerns of their time. Their works explored the intersections of ancestry, death, sexuality, and reproduction, challenging traditional notions of identity and authority.

Through their literary prowess, Sidney Herbert and Sidney Wroth left an indelible mark on the world of literature, forever shaping our understanding of authorship, family, and the human experience. This book serves as a testament to their enduring legacy and the profound impact they had on the literary landscape of their era.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032202853