Englishness Revisited - Contemporary Literary Representations of English National and Cultural Identity

The book explores how writers in Great Britain in the late twentieth century addressed the issue of Englishness and revisited its traditional formulations, considering the influence of philosophy of history, spatial definitions, pastoral novels, and the discourse of the picturesque.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2022
Publisher: Uniwersytet Jagiellonski, Wydawnictwo

The book delves into a comprehensive exploration of a selection of literary works produced in Great Britain during the final decades of the twentieth century, situated within the broader context of contemporary debates surrounding English national and cultural identity. Its primary objective is to investigate the ways in which writers such as Peter Ackroyd, Julian Barnes, and Adam Thorpe have approached the concept of Englishness and reinterpreted its traditional formulations. Within this framework, the literary works of Ackroyd, Barnes, and Thorpe are analyzed in the context of various philosophical perspectives on history, spatial definitions of Englishness rooted in the myth of Green England, the tradition of the pastoral novel, and the discourse of the picturesque. Furthermore, the book engages in a critical dialogue with prevailing discourses of Englishness that were undergoing both reinforcement and questioning during the late twentieth century, from diverse perspectives. The authors themselves address these issues through their novels and polemical texts, adding depth and complexity to their exploration of Englishness.

The book explores a rich tapestry of literary works, carefully selected from the final decades of the twentieth century, which were written in the vibrant and diverse landscape of Great Britain. Within this historical context, the book delves into the intricate and multifaceted discussions surrounding English national and cultural identity.

The central aim of the book is to investigate the profound ways in which writers like Peter Ackroyd, Julian Barnes, and Adam Thorpe have approached the concept of Englishness and reimagined its traditional formulations. These writers, each with their unique literary style and perspective, have sought to unravel the complexities and nuances of this elusive concept, challenging and expanding our understanding of what it means to be English in the modern world.

To accomplish this, the book employs a multi-faceted approach. It delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Englishness, exploring the influence of historical events, cultural shifts, and societal transformations on the formation and evolution of English identity. The authors draw upon a range of philosophical frameworks, including historical materialism, cultural studies, and postcolonial theory, to shed light on the complex interplay between language and identity.

Furthermore, the book examines the spatial dimensions of Englishness, exploring how the myth of Green England, with its picturesque landscapes and pastoral traditions, has shaped the perception and representation of Englishness both within and outside of Britain. The authors analyze the pastoral novel as a genre that has played a significant role of in shaping the cultural imagination, exploring themes of isolation, nostalgia, and the search for belonging in the rural setting.

In addition, the book engages with the discourse of the picturesque, a cultural movement that emerged in the late eighteenth century and emphasized the beauty and simplicity of natural landscapes as a means of promoting national identity and cultural heritage. The authors examine how this discourse has been perpetuated in literature and popular culture, and how it has influenced the construction of Englishness as a rural and rustic entity.

Throughout the book, the authors engage in a critical dialogue with prevailing discourses of Englishness that were prevalent in the late twentieth century. They challenge the notion of a monolithic and homogeneous English identity, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the English experience. The authors explore the ways in which different social groups, cultural backgrounds, and geographical regions have contributed to the shaping of Englishness, and how these diverse voices have been represented and marginalized in literature and popular culture.

In conclusion, the book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the literary works produced in Great Britain during the final decades of the twentieth century, situated within the broader century. It provides a rich tapestry of perspectives and methodologies, drawing upon a wide range of literary, philosophical, and cultural sources to shed light on the complex and multifaceted concept of Englishness. Through its engaging analysis, the book challenges readers to reexamine their understanding of Englishness and its role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Great Britain.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 63 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788323346043