The Plague Years: Reflecting on Pandemics

The Plague Years is a collection of scholarly and essayistic reflections on literary, visual, and sonic representations of the COVID-19 and other pandemics, alongside poetry and short fiction written in the first two years of quarantine or isolation. The contributions are from diverse contexts and consider contemporary engagements such as poems translated from Mandarin, Chinese calligraphic poetry, political analyses, and the role of life-writing and gaming in an interrupted world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Plague Years is a captivating collection of scholarly and essayistic reflections on the literary, visual, and sonic representations of the COVID-19 and other pandemics. It explores the profound intellectual and imaginative struggle that ensues as individuals grapple with the widespread spread of disease and its far-reaching emotional, cultural, and political consequences. This diverse range of contributions comes from various contexts, including Africa (from Egypt to South Africa), China, Japan, the United States, and Scandinavia.

Within these chapters, readers are treated to a thoughtful exploration of contemporary engagements. Poets have translated poignant Mandarin poems that capture the traumas of frontline workers, Chinese calligraphic poetry has been printed on cartons of PPE, scholars have delved into the literary history of epidemics and pandemics, political analysts have analyzed the prevalence of post-truth discourse, and life-writing and gaming have emerged as powerful modes of expression in an interrupted world.

What sets this collection apart is its generative and creative obliquity. Each chapter offers a fresh perspective, challenging readers to think about the diseased present and the archival pasts upon which it draws. The book's chapters were originally published as a special issue of English Studies in Africa, further highlighting its significance and impact on the field of literary studies.

In conclusion, The Plague Years is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex and multifaceted representations of pandemics in literature, visual art, and sound. It offers a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives, showcasing the intellectual and imaginative ingenuity of artists and scholars as they navigate the challenges posed by these global health crises.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032286679