Literature and Class: From the Peasants' Revolt to the French Revolution

This book explores the intimate relationship between literature and class in England (and later Britain) from the Peasants Revolt at the end of the fourteenth century to the impact of the French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century and beginning of the nineteenth. It argues that class divisions and relations have always structured societies century and that it makes sense to assume a historical continuity. Five chapters explore how social class influenced a series of writers, including Chaucer, Shakespeare, Behn, Rochester, Defoe, Duck, Richardson, Burney, Blake, and Wordsworth.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 24 August 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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This comprehensive book delves into the intricate and profound relationship between literature and class in England (and later Britain) spanning a remarkable period from the Peasants Revolt at the end of the fourteenth century to the aftermath of the French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century and the early nineteenth century. Throughout its pages, the book makes a compelling argument that class cannot be viewed as a modern phenomenon that emerged solely after the Industrial Revolution. Instead, it asserts that class divisions and relations have always been an integral part of human societies, and it is reasonable to assume a historical continuity.

The book explores a wide range of themes related to class, including class consciousness, class conflict, commercialization, servitude, rebellion, gender relations, and colonization. After providing a comprehensive overview of the history of class relations, the book proceeds to examine how social class consciously and unconsciously influenced a diverse group of writers, including Chaucer, Shakespeare, Behn, Rochester, Defoe, Duck, Richardson, Burney, Blake, and Wordsworth.

Through detailed analysis and insightful interpretations, the book sheds light on the ways in which these writers' works reflected and shaped the social, political, and cultural dynamics of their respective times. It highlights the ways in which literature can serve as a powerful tool for exploring and challenging class structures, as well as for promoting social change and understanding.

This book is a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies, offering a rich and nuanced perspective on the complex interplay between literature and class. It will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the history and sociology of literature.

\n Weight: 706g\n
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526125835\n \n