Modernist Literature and European Identity

Modernist Literature and European Identity explores how European and non-European authors debated the idea of Europe in the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on how the notion of Europe was constructed in a variety of modernist texts. Authors such as Ford Madox Ford, T. S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, Aimé Césaire, and Nancy Cunard developed their own notions of Europe, engaging in transnational networks and experimenting with new forms of writing, supporting or challenging a European ideal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Modernist Literature and European Identity delves into the intricate exploration of how European and non-European authors engaged in a profound debate about the concept of Europe during the first half of the twentieth century. This scholarly work shifts the attention from the realm of European modernism to the broader landscape of modernist Europe, shedding light on the intricate construction of the notion of Europe across a diverse range of modernist texts. Renowned authors like Ford Madox Ford, T. S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, Aimé Césaire, and Nancy Cunard each forged their unique perspectives on Europe, engaging in transnational networks and experimenting with innovative writing styles. Through their literary endeavors, these authors either supported or challenged the European ideal, contributing to the rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives that shaped the understanding of Europe in this era.

Drawing upon insights from global modernism and network theory, Modernist Literature and European Identity proposes a novel perspective on Europe. Rather than viewing Europe as a rigid and predefined construct, it suggests that we can perceive it as an open or weak entity, a crossroads where diverse authors and viewpoints converged and collided. This dynamic conception of Europe highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the concept, emphasizing its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing tides of history and culture.

By examining the works of these influential authors and their engagement with transnational networks, Modernist Literature and European Identity offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between Europe, identity, and literature in the early twentieth century. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted dimensions of European culture and history.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367516383