Romanticism and Consciousness, Revisited

Romantic studies scholars have been called to revisit and re-map the terrain laid out in the 1970 volume Romanticism and Consciousness, focusing on the shift from a sole self to transactional, social, and entangled with the outside world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in Romantic science, theories of mind, and the permeability of the Romantic period to the world. This has led to a reevaluation of the terrain mapped out in the influential 1970 volume Romanticism and Consciousness. Romanticism and Consciousness, Revisited, published in 2023, responds to this call by presenting a fresh perspective on Romantic consciousness. Rather than viewing it as the possession of a singular self, it emphasizes the transactional, social, and interconnected nature of Romantic consciousness with the external world.

The book explores how Romantic thinkers such as Wordsworth, Blake, and Coleridge sought to redefine the relationship between the self and the world, challenging the notion of a fixed and separate entity. It argues that Romantic consciousness is shaped by a complex web of social, cultural, and historical factors, and that it is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing conditions of the world.

One of the key themes of Romanticism and Consciousness, Revisited is the idea of the "double vision." According to the book, Romantic thinkers saw the world as both an external reality and an internal reflection of the self. This dualistic perspective allowed them to perceive the world as both beautiful and imperfect, and to explore the complexities of human experience and emotion.

Another important aspect of the book is its exploration of the role of imagination in Romantic consciousness. The Romantics believed that imagination was a powerful tool for shaping the self and the world, and that it could enable individuals to transcend the limitations of their own experiences and connect with the broader universe. The book discusses how imagination is used by Romantic writers to create vivid and immersive narratives, as well as to explore the depths of human consciousness and the nature of reality.

Romanticism and Consciousness, Revisited also examines the relationship between Romantic consciousness and the scientific revolution of the 18th century. The book argues that Romantic thinkers were deeply influenced by the scientific discoveries of their time, and that they sought to integrate scientific ideas into their philosophical and artistic theories. It explores how Romanticism influenced the development of fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and environmentalism, and how it contributed to a broader understanding of the human condition.

In conclusion, Romanticism and Consciousness, Revisited is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and dynamic perspective on Romantic consciousness. By challenging traditional notions of the self and the world, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of Romantic studies and offers insights into the complex and evolving nature of human experience. Whether you are a scholar of Romantic literature, philosophy, or culture, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the rich and complex world of Romanticism.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474485111