Re-Reading the Eighteenth-Century Novel: Studies in Reception

Re-Reading the Eighteenth-Century Novel explores how secondary visual and literary texts interpret canonical novels of the eighteenth century, highlighting non-standard and disconnected responses and expressing doubts about misinterpretative appropriation. The material encompasses textual and visual testimonies of reading, including book illustration, prints, drawings, personal documents, reviews, literary texts, and literary criticism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 118 pages
Publication date: 13 August 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Re-Reading the Eighteenth-Century Novel: An Evolving Subfield

Within the realm of eighteenth-century studies, the subfield of reception studies continues to flourish, and Re-Reading the Eighteenth-Century Novel plays a significant role in this dynamic development. Author Mark Lipski delves into the fascinating phenomenon of secondary visual and literary texts taking on new lives in distinct contexts, while simultaneously paying close attention to the potential insights these new lives can offer about the original source texts.

To explore this topic, the book presents five compelling case studies that examine how canonical novels of the eighteenth century by renowned authors such as Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, and Laurence Sterne have been interpreted by readers across different historical periods. Lipski prioritizes responses that may appear unconventional or even disconnected from the original, valuing diversity as a gateway to uncharted territories and expressing reservations about readings that verge on misinterpretative appropriation.

The material encompasses a rich tapestry of textual and visual testimonies of reading, encompassing book illustrations, prints, drawings, personal documents, reviews, literary texts, and literary criticism. These case studies are organized into three sections: visual transvaluations, reception in Poland, and critical afterlives. The book concludes with a discussion of the most recent socio-political uses and revisions of eighteenth-century fiction in the era of Trump (2016–2020).

Through these insightful case studies, Re-Reading the Eighteenth-Century Novel sheds light on the complex interplay between readers, texts, and historical contexts, contributing to our understanding of the enduring relevance and impact of eighteenth-century literature. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering fresh perspectives and deepening our appreciation for the rich tapestry of eighteenth-century cultural production.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 354 x 223 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367716370