The 1940s: A Decade of Modern British Fiction

The 1940s in Britain saw a rapid change in social, cultural, and political events, which had a significant impact on modern British fiction. This volume explores the diverse literature of the period, including works by influential women, Commonwealth, exiled, genre, avant-garde, and queer writers, and offers a critical re-evaluation of the decade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The 1940s were a transformative decade for British society, culture, and politics, shaping modern British fiction in profound ways. The aftermath of World War II brought about significant changes, including the establishment of the welfare state and the emergence of the Cold War threat. This rapid pace of historical change challenged writers to keep up with the times, leading to a sidelining of the 1940s in literary accounts as a distinct period. However, recent scholarship and research have shed new light on this intriguing decade, revealing its rich diversity and significance.

In this volume, contributors explore the work of influential writers from various backgrounds, including women, Commonwealth, exiled, genre, avant-garde, and queer writers. They examine the novels of the Blitz and the Navy, as well as the rise of important new voices. The book offers a critical re-evaluation of the 1940s, providing substantial chapters on Elizabeth Bowen, Graham Greene, and George Orwell, as well as covering a wide range of other writers such as Jocelyn Brooke, Monica Dickens, James Hadley Chase, Patrick Hamilton, Gerald Kersh, Daphne Du Maurier, Mary Renault, Denton Welch, and many others.

The 1940s witnessed a shift in societal attitudes and values, with the emergence of new social movements and the questioning of traditional hierarchies. This period saw the rise of women's rights, the civil rights movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, all of which had a significant impact on British fiction. Writers responded to these changes by exploring themes of gender, race, and sexuality, challenging societal norms and providing a platform for marginalized voices.

The war also had a profound impact on British literature, with many writers drawing on their experiences and observations to create powerful and poignant works. The Blitz, in particular, became a symbol of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Novels such as "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf and "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot captured the emotional toll of the war and its aftermath, while others, such as "The Road to Wigan Pier" by George Orwell, provided a critical analysis of the social and political conditions that led to the war.

In addition to the war, the 1940s saw the emergence of new literary genres and styles. The rise of science fiction and fantasy, for example, provided a platform for writers to explore futuristic themes and ideas. The popularity of detective fiction also grew, with authors such as Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler creating intricate plots and memorable characters.

The 1940s also marked a significant turning point in British cultural history, with the emergence of the British Empire as a global power. This period saw the colonization of new territories and the spread of British culture and values around the world. Writers responded to this phenomenon by exploring the complexities of colonialism and the impact it had on indigenous cultures.

In conclusion, the 1940s were a transformative decade for British society, culture, and politics, shaping modern British fiction in profound ways. The aftermath of World War II brought about significant changes, challenging writers to keep up with the rapid pace of historical change. This period saw the emergence of new social movements, the questioning of traditional hierarchies, and the colonization of new territories, all of which had a significant impact on British fiction. By exploring the work of influential writers from various backgrounds and genres, this volume offers a critical re-evaluation of the 1940s, highlighting its rich diversity and significance.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350280618