Interrogating Lesbian Modernism: Histories, Forms, Genres

Lesbian modernism is a critical examination of 30 years of lesbian modernist studies that aims to expand existing meanings and uses of lesbian modernism. It critically investigates the boundaries of lesbian modernism in relation to queer and feminist modernism and offers new readings of familiar and lesser-known lesbian modernist authors. The book demonstrates how the concept of lesbian modernism can be mobilized in new and meaningful ways to continue to inform and enrich modernist studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Lesbian modernism has emerged as a significant field of study in recent decades, offering a critical lens through which to examine the complexities of gender, sexuality, and identity. This edited volume, comprising twelve newly commissioned chapters, seeks to reassess and interrogate the meanings, uses, and limitations of lesbian modernism by exploring a broad range of authors, genres, and histories.

In the opening chapter, "Lesbian Modernism and the Canon," the editors provide an overview of the field and its historical development. They argue that lesbian modernism has been both marginalized and celebrated within the broader context of modernist studies, and that it has played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of gender and sexuality. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by lesbian modernist authors and scholars, including the lack of recognition and representation in mainstream literary and cultural institutions.

The following chapters delve into various aspects of lesbian modernism, including its literary and artistic expressions, political activism, and cultural significance. For example, "Queer Modernism and the Politics of Representation" explores how lesbian modernist authors have challenged traditional notions of gender and sexuality through their writing and activism. The chapter also examines the ways in which lesbian modernism has been influenced by broader social and political movements, such as the feminist and LGBTQ+ rights movements.

Another chapter, "Lesbian Modernism and the Body," examines the ways in which lesbian modernism has explored the body as a site of both pleasure and pain. The authors discuss how lesbian modernist writers have challenged traditional notions of femininity and masculinity through their depictions of the body, and how they have used the body as a means of resistance and empowerment.

In "Lesbian Modernism and the Archive," the editors argue that lesbian modernism has been shaped by the historical and cultural archives that document the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. The chapter explores how lesbian modernist authors have used archival materials to create new narratives and understandings of history, and how they have challenged the dominant narratives of heterosexual and cisgender privilege.

The book also includes chapters that explore the intersections of lesbian modernism with other fields of study, such as queer theory, postcolonialism, and disability studies. For example, "Lesbian Modernism and the Global South" examines how lesbian modernist authors have responded to the challenges of living in marginalized and oppressive societies, and how they have used their writing to challenge dominant narratives of power and oppression.

In conclusion, this edited volume offers a timely and original examination of lesbian modernism, reflecting critically upon 30 years of lesbian modernist studies to expand existing meanings and uses of lesbian modernism. The chapters provide new readings of familiar and lesser-known lesbian modernist authors, and critically investigate the boundaries of lesbian modernism in relation to queer and feminist modernism. The book demonstrates how the concept of lesbian modernism can be mobilized in new and meaningful ways to continue to inform and enrich modernist studies.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474486057