Weighing Fire: European Lives in Eighteenth-Century Literature and Science

This work is a two-volume monograph on the interplay of science and literature in Europe from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries, with a series of biographies of literary figures who were fascinated by science. The linguistic base is broad, including French, German, English, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. It chronicles the intellectual movements of Naturphilosophie, Naturalism, Positivism, and others that literature gave rise to through its interaction with science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 680 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

This extensive two-volume monograph delves into the intricate interplay of science and literature in Europe from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries. Volume 1, presented here, comprises a captivating series of approximately twenty meticulously researched biographies of literary figures renowned for their profound fascination with, at times, an obsessive interest in, science. The linguistic foundation of this work is diverse, primarily rooted in French, German, and English, with occasional ventures into Italian, Spanish, and Russian. Alongside remarkable individuals, the monograph traces the emergence of intellectual movements such as Naturphilosophie, Naturalism, Positivism, and others, which were shaped by the profound interactions between literature and science.

The study explores the profound connections between scientific advancements and the creative imagination, shedding light on how literature influenced scientific thought and vice versa. It uncovers the ways in which writers and scientists engaged in a symbiotic relationship, exchanging ideas, challenging conventions, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Through these biographies, readers gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who bridged the gap between science and literature, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape our understanding of the world.

This comprehensive work serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, offering a rich tapestry of insights into the complex relationship between science and literature in the past. It provides a foundation for further exploration and analysis, fostering a deeper appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of intellectual inquiry and the profound impact it has on our understanding of the world.

Weight: 1138g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 49 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789976144
Edition number: New ed