Romanticism, Republicanism, and the Swiss Myth

This book explores the Swiss myth's aesthetic and political uses in British literature and culture, merging legends with the Enlightenment image of a happy, free nation. It argues that the myth contributed to the liberal idea of the people as a sublime yet sleeping sovereign.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the rich tapestry of British literature and culture, exploring the profound impact of Switzerland on both artistic and political realms from the era of Joseph Addison to John Ruskin. It offers a detailed analysis of the Swiss myth, a captivating narrative that intertwines the country's ancient legends with the Enlightenment vision of a joyous and liberated nation of alpine shepherds. The myth's unique amalgamation of conservative, progressive, and radical associations played a pivotal role in enabling writers prior to the French Revolution to advocate for democratic reforms. Conversely, those who emerged after the revolution reimagined it as a conservative alternative to French liberté. By seamlessly integrating intellectual history with literary studies, the book examines a diverse array of Romantic-period texts and authors, including luminaries such as Byron, the Shelleys, Hemans, Scott, Coleridge, and, most notably, Wordsworth. Through its insightful examination, the book argues that the Swiss myth played a significant role in shaping the liberal notion of the people as a sublime yet dormant sovereign, resonating with the ideals of democracy, individualism, and the pursuit of a harmonious society.

ISBN-13: 9781009210294