Literature and Poverty: From the Hebrew Bible to the Second World War

Literature and Poverty explores how literary perceptions of poverty and the poor have changed over time, from the Hebrew Bible to the French Revolution and beyond. It argues that literature and the arts are essential for understanding current problems in International Development.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 262 pages
\n Publication date: 31 January 2019
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Literature and Poverty provides a comprehensive exploration of shifts in literary representations of poverty and the marginalized. The book is divided into two parts, each offering essential background information. Part I, spanning from the Hebrew Bible to the French Revolution, delves into the historical context, shedding light on the Scriptural ideal of the 'holy poor' and the gradual erosion of biblical love for the impoverished as capitalism emerged and the state assumed greater authority. Part II, from the French Revolution to World War II, showcases how post-1789 challenges such as industrialization, population growth, war, and urbanization dominated much European literature, elevating poverty and the poor to the forefront of the concerns of prominent writers like Dickens, Dostoyevsky, and Hugo.

In his insightful work, David Aberbach employs a rich tapestry of literature, ranging from the Bible to Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Zola, Pushkin, and Orwell, to illustrate how poverty transitioned from an inherent and unavoidable aspect of life to a formidable challenge for equality that can be attained within a moral and rational society. This book serves as a literary and social history of poverty, advocating for the indispensable role of literature and the arts in comprehending contemporary issues in International Development. Through its comprehensive analysis, Literature and Poverty sheds light on the complex interplay between societal attitudes, economic systems, and artistic expressions, offering valuable insights into the ongoing struggle against poverty and inequality.

\n Weight: 416g\n
Dimension: 236 x 167 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367132736\n \n