Product Description

Critical introductions to a range of literary topics and genres. Romanticism offers guidance through the diversity of uses and meanings of the word 'romantic', not in terms of fixed definitions or essential qualifying characteristics, but rather in giving a helpful framework for questions and exploration. The focus throughout tends to be on the Western European cultural world of the latter half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th, as befits English literary study, but the context is far broader.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #138847 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
'. . . provide valuable background and guidance to sixth-formers and students working on their own for exams and coursework for all awarding bodies, not just OCR.' Times Educational Supplement

'Attractivly produced and concisely presented in 128 pages, this is a user-friendly book; students will have no difficulty in locating whatever information they may need.' School Librarian

'It is a balanced, clear and thoughtful presentation which teachers and students will find very helpful. ' Times Educational Supplement

Customer Reviews

Stunningly comprehensive survey of Romanticism for any level
I'm an English undergraduate and although this book says its aimed at A-Level it is perfect for Uni students too. It gives a comprehensive survey of the Romantic period - religious, political, historical and social contexts, and it warns the reader to be wary about the broadness of the term Romanticism, its limitations, and how it ought to be applied. It includes key extracts from Romantic litearture and approaches these with the view to assisting the interpretation of other texts. It deals with all angles - language, criticism and femininsm, and also has a good section on Blake and is modern enough to include female writers e.g. Mary Wollstonecraft, which earlier books on Romanticism ignore. The best thing about it is it's really readable, the language is easy to understand and has a practical and varied layout, including bullet points and suggested exercises too. It also deals with loads of other critics views on Romanticism which gives some useful directions for further reading, whilst giving an idea of their main points (with quotes) if you haven't got time for that. This is a must for any student studying any aspect or author in the Romantic era, particularly as context is particularly vital to an understanding of the texts in this age.

Good for the soul - and the brain
As an English teacher I can thoroughly endorse this text; in terms of A-level it provides a comprehensive and accessible background to the literary genre in question. Designed primarily for the OCR GCE course, it is also great for those studying the AQA syllabus; with information on key writers and thinkers, context, language and form; this is a vital tool for anyone preparing to take a Romanticism course - or degree module.

A little bit disappointing
After the other rave review from the undergraduate above, I did think this book would be somewhat better than it seems. Unfortunately, it does not go into any depth with the poetry or explain the fundamentals of the romantic era.