Product Description

Romanticism is crucial to an understanding of modern Western culture. Philosophy, art, literature, music and politics were all transformed in the turbulent period between the French Revolution of 1789 and the Communist Manifesto of 1848. This was the age of the ‘Romantic revolution’, when modern attitudes to political and artistic freedom were born. When we think of Romanticism, flamboyant figures such as Byron or Shelley instantly spring to mind, but what about Napoleon or Hegel, Turner or Blake, Wagner or Marx, who also emerged from this great period of turmoil and change?

How was it that Romanticism could give birth to passionate individualism and chauvinistic nationalism at the same time? How does it prefigure the totalitarian movements of the 20th century? Introducing Romanticism answers these questions and gives the reader an accessible overview of the many interlocking strands of Romanticism, focusing on the leading figures in Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Russia and America. It is the ideal introduction for both student and general reader.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #172364 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Duncan Heath studied English Literature at Oxford University, and now works as a writer and editor for a publishing company.

Judy Boreham recently graduated from the Royal College of Art, and is working as a freelance illustrator in Cambridge.

Customer Reviews

Excelllent - A thoroughly enjoyable mine of culture!
I hadn't realised there were so many strands within Romanticism. Over fifty years of the greatest music, art, philosophy, literature and even science, that the Western world has produced can be found within these pages. So adept is the author at distilling the important information that not once did the book seem to sell its subjects short. I was absolutely absorbed. This was my first Introducing book but if the high standard set by this book is met by the others, I'll certainly be buying many more.

Be warned
Be warned about this book- it is virtually a picture book with a small amount of text on each page. Every page has a very illustration and about a paragraph or two of text. I was very annoyed at this, as I was led to believe that this book would be useful for my University course, but it was not. I have given the book two stars however, because the text that was in there, did contain some useful information.

Horrible format
I agree with the other critical review, I'm surprised the Open University recommends this book - maybe they wish to prompt us to read about it all elsewhere. A Philosopher is mentioned, for example, then there's a silly, unnecessary picture with a speech bubble, but nothing interesting or useful is said. The format is like that of a child's book. If this is a bestseller I can only suppose that thousands of people must have bought it and then regretted it.