Reading the Road, from Shakespeare's Crossways to Bunyan's Highways

Thirteen essays by established and emerging scholars explore the influential meanings of roads in early modern literature and culture, shedding light on their central role in the imagination and the plays' use of a small space to suggest various locations.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 31 August 2021
\n Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
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Thirteen captivating essays, penned by both established and emerging scholars, come together in this remarkable book to explore the profound and multifaceted meanings of roads in early modern literature and culture. The chapters herein delve into the intricate tapestry of the early modern imagination, unveiling a rich geography that, at first glance, may appear fleeting or insignificant, yet holds paramount significance in shaping our understanding of movement. Moreover, they shed light on an astonishing achievement of early modern plays: their ability to conjure an incredible array of physical and metaphysical locations within a confined, bare space.

The road, as a central motif in early modern literature and culture, assumes a multifaceted role. It serves as a physical conduit, connecting individuals and communities, facilitating trade, travel, and exploration. However, the road extends beyond its utilitarian function, becoming a metaphorical realm where profound ideas and emotions are expressed.

In the early modern imagination, the road symbolized the journey of the individual, both physical and spiritual. It represented the path to self-discovery, enlightenment, and transformation. The road was a terrain of uncertainty and danger, where travelers encountered obstacles, challenges, and unforeseen twists and turns. Yet, it was also a place of possibility, where new horizons opened up, and the unknown beckoned.

The essays in this book explore various aspects of the road's significance in early modern literature and culture. They examine how roads were depicted in literature, theater, and visual art, highlighting their role in shaping narrative structures, character development, and the exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the nature of reality. The authors also explore the physical characteristics of roads, including their topography, infrastructure, and cultural significance, shedding light on how they influenced the development of early modern societies.

One of the most remarkable achievements of early modern plays is their use of a small, bare space to suggest an astonishing variety of physical and potentially metaphysical locations. The stage becomes a canvas on which the imagination can run wild, as characters traverse vast distances, visit different worlds, and engage in profound conversations. Through the skillful manipulation of lighting, sound, and stage design, plays were able to transport audiences to different times, places, and dimensions, creating a sense of awe and wonder.

The essays in this book offer a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the meanings of roads in early modern literature and culture. They provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between the physical and symbolic aspects of the road, and how it shaped the intellectual and artistic landscape of the time. Whether one is a scholar, student, or simply a lover of literature and culture, this book will captivate and inspire, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring significance of roads in our collective memory.

\n Weight: 420g\n
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781474454124\n \n