The Cambridge Companion to the Romantic Sublime

The Cambridge Companion to the Romantic Sublime is a comprehensive collection of essays that explores the sources, genres, and afterlives of the Romantic sublime in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It offers a multidisciplinary approach, with contributions from leading scholars from various countries and subject areas. The book provides an accessible introduction to the subject for researchers, students, and general readers, with extensive suggestions for further reading.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This is the only collection of its kind to focus on one of the most important aspects of the cultural history of the Romantic period: its sources, and its afterlives. Multidisciplinary in approach, the volume examines the variety of areas of enquiry and genres of cultural productivity in which the sublime played a substantial role during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. With impressive international scope, this Companion considers the Romantic sublime in both European and American contexts and features essays by leading scholars from a range of national backgrounds and subject specialisms, including state-of-the-art perspectives in digital and environmental humanities. An accessible, wide-ranging, and thorough introduction, aimed at researchers, students, and general readers alike, and including extensive suggestions for further reading, The Cambridge Companion to the Romantic Sublime is the go-to book on the subject.

The Romantic period was a time of immense cultural significance, marked by a profound fascination with the concept of the sublime. The sublime, a term derived from the Latin word sublimus, refers to an experience of awe, wonder, and transcendence that can be found in art, literature, nature, and even everyday life. During this period, artists and writers sought to capture the essence of the sublime and explore its emotional and psychological effects on the human mind.

One of the most important aspects of the Romantic sublime was its connection to nature. Romantic thinkers believed that the natural world was a source of infinite beauty and power, and they sought to express their awe and reverence for it through their art and literature. This led to a renewed interest in the natural world, with artists and writers exploring the landscapes, wildlife, and weather of the countryside and the oceans.

Another key aspect of the Romantic sublime was its connection to the human mind and emotions. Romantic thinkers believed that the human mind was capable of experiencing profound emotions and sensations that could be elevated to the level of the sublime. This led to a focus on the individual and the subjective experience, with artists and writers exploring the inner world of the mind and the emotions that it experiences.

The Romantic sublime also had a significant impact on politics and society. Romantic thinkers believed that the sublime could be used to inspire political and social change, and they used it to critique the dominant institutions of their time. This led to a renewed interest in democracy, freedom, and individual rights, as well as a critique of the power of the state and the church.

Despite its many positive effects, the Romantic sublime also had its critics. Some critics argued that the sublime was a dangerous and destructive force, that it could lead to a loss of rationality and a descent into madness. Others argued that the sublime was simply a form of escapism, a way for people to avoid the realities of their own lives.

In conclusion, the Romantic sublime was a complex and multifaceted concept that had a profound impact on the cultural history of the Romantic period. It was a fascination with the natural world, the human mind, and the emotions that could be experienced through these experiences. The sublime also had a significant impact on politics and society, inspiring a renewed interest in democracy, freedom, and individual rights, as well as critiquing the dominant institutions of the time. While the Romantic sublime had its critics, it remains a vital and important aspect of our understanding of the Romantic period and its cultural legacy.

Weight: 437g
ISBN-13: 9781009013055