Physical Disability in British Romantic Literature

The Romantic period did not have a concept of disability, but this study explores the anachronistic use of the term in scholarship. It reveals the centrality of capacity and weakness concepts to the egalitarian politics of the 1790s, the importance of desert theory to debates about sentiment and the charitable relief of impaired soldiers, and the controversy over the use of deformity in picturesque aesthetics. It also offers accounts of deformity that anticipate recent disability studies theory and discusses deformity and monstrosity as a blended category in Frankenstein.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The concept of disability as we understand it today did not exist during the Romantic period. This groundbreaking study delves into the anachronistic use of the term "disability" in the scholarship of the Romantic era, offering a disability studies-theorized account that explores the intricate relationship between ideas of function and aesthetics. By unpacking the politics of ability, the book reveals the central role of capacity and weakness concepts in the egalitarian politics of the 1790s. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of desert theory in debates about sentiment and the charitable relief of impaired soldiers.

In order to clarify the aesthetics of deformity as distinct from discussions of ability, Joshua delves into a controversy surrounding the use of deformity in picturesque aesthetics. He provides insightful accounts of deformity that anticipate recent disability studies theory and discusses deformity and monstrosity as a blended category in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. By setting aside the modern concept of disability, Joshua compellingly argues for the historical and critical value of period-specific terms.

This study is a significant contribution to the field of disability studies, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which the Romantic era conceptualized and experienced disability. It challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of the past and to consider the ways in which historical concepts of disability continue to shape our contemporary perspectives on ability, equality, and compassion.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108799171