New Approaches to William Godwin: Forms, Fears, Futures

This collection highlights new critical approaches and uncovers new texts by William Godwin, focusing on his authorhip and thought. It will interest scholars familiar with Godwin and those approaching his work for the first time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This collection presents a groundbreaking exploration of William Godwin's (1756-1836) rich literary legacy, offering fresh and innovative critical perspectives that shed light on his works. While Godwin is a well-known figure in the study of the Shelley-Godwin circle and Dissenting intellectual circles, this collection takes a unique approach by examining him as an author and thinker in his own right. Spanning a wide array of texts and themes, this collection will captivate scholars with a deep knowledge of Godwin's work as well as those who are discovering his remarkable contributions for the first time.

Godwin's literary prowess is evident in his extensive body of work, which includes novels, essays, and political writings. His most famous novel, "Political Justice," published in 1793, is a seminal work of political philosophy that explores the principles of government and human rights. This novel, along with his other works, has had a lasting impact on political thought and society.

In addition to his literary achievements, Godwin was also a prominent figure in the Dissenting intellectual circles of his time. He was a member of the London Corresponding Society, a group of Dissenting intellectuals who met regularly to discuss social and political issues. Godwin's writings on religion, morality, and social reform were widely read and influential, and he played a significant role in shaping the Dissenting movement's ideology and principles.

The present collection aims to showcase Godwin's literary and intellectual achievements in a new light. It includes a wide range of critical essays and studies that explore his works from various perspectives, including historical, literary, and cultural. The collection also includes previously unpublished texts and materials that shed light on Godwin's life and career.

One of the key themes that emerge from this collection is Godwin's commitment to social reform and his belief in the power of literature to shape society. Godwin was a strong advocate for human rights, women's rights, and social justice, and his writings often addressed these issues in a powerful and persuasive manner. He believed that literature had the potential to inspire and educate people, and he used his writing to promote these values and advocate for change.

Another theme that is explored in this collection is Godwin's complex relationship with his wife, Mary Wollstonecraft. Godwin and Wollstonecraft were married in 1794, and their marriage was a significant event in the history of feminist literature and intellectual circles. Godwin's support for Wollstonecraft's writing and her advocacy for women's rights played a crucial role in shaping her reputation as a leading feminist thinker of her time.

The collection also includes essays that explore Godwin's influence on other writers and thinkers, including Percy Shelley, John Keats, and Thomas Carlyle. Godwin's friendship with these writers and his role as a mentor and inspiration to them have had a lasting impact on the development of English literature and intellectual discourse.

In conclusion, this collection presents a comprehensive and innovative exploration of William Godwin's literary legacy. It offers fresh and innovative critical perspectives that shed light on his works and his place in literary and intellectual history. By examining Godwin as an author and thinker in his own right, this collection provides a valuable contribution to the study of English literature and intellectual discourse. Whether you are a scholar familiar with Godwin's work or a newcomer to his literary oeuvre, this collection will captivate and inspire you with its rich and diverse content.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030629144
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021