Miscellanies, Poetry, and Authorship, 1680-1800

This book explores the popularity of poetic miscellanies in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, arguing that they had a far-reaching impact on authors, publishers, and readers of poetry. It expands the definition of miscellanies to include single-author collections and examines their relationships with periodicals, their contribution to the formation of the literary canon, and their reception and transformation in the hands of readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 293 pages
Publication date: 27 March 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate tapestry of the ancestors of contemporary poetry anthologies, specifically focusing on the poetic miscellanies of the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It presents a compelling argument that miscellanies constitute a unique genre of literary collections, exerting a profound influence on authors, publishers, and readers of poetry during the period spanning 1680 to 1800.

In order to broaden the scope of miscellanies, this study incorporates single-author collections, often referred to as miscellanies, alongside the traditionally prominent multiple-author collections. It explores the ways in which multiple-author miscellanies fostered distinct literary communities and uncovers the overlooked significance of single-author miscellanies in the self-fashioning of eighteenth-century writers. Subsequent chapters delve into the intricate relationships between miscellanies and periodicals, their role in shaping the literary canon, and the diverse ways in which readers have engaged with and transformed these collections over time.

Drawing upon a wealth of newly accessible digital data and evidence gleaned from hundreds of printed miscellanies, this book offers a fresh perspective on the writing, publication, and reception of poetry in the long eighteenth century. It sheds light on the creative processes, publishing practices, and reading habits of poets and readers during this pivotal period, contributing to our understanding of the literary landscape of the past.

In conclusion, this book is a vital contribution to the field of literary studies, providing a deep and insightful exploration of the ancestors of contemporary poetry anthologies. It offers a rich tapestry of information that enhances our understanding of the literary world of the long eighteenth century, illuminating the complex relationships between authors, publishers, and readers and shedding new light on the enduring legacy of poetic miscellanies.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 156 x 219 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030370657
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021