Defending Literature in Early Modern England: Renaissance Literary Theory in Social Context - Couverture rigide

Matz, Robert

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0521660807 ISBN 13 : 9780521660808

Editeur : Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

This study, first published in 2000, analyses Renaissance literary theory in the context of social transformations of the period.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

Why was literature so often defended and defined in early modern England in terms of its ability to provide the Horatian ideal of both profit and pleasure? This book, first published in 2000, analyses Renaissance literary theory in the context of social transformations of the period, focusing on conflicting ideas about gentility that emerged as the English aristocracy evolved from a feudal warrior class to a civil elite. Through close readings centered on works by Thomas Elyot, Philip Sidney and Edmund Spenser, Matz argues that literature attempted to mediate a complex set of contradictory social expectations. His original study engages with important theoretical work such as Pierre Bourdieu's and offers a substantial critique of New Historicist theory. It challenges recent accounts of the power of Renaissance authorship, emphasizing the uncertain status of literature during this time of cultural change, and sheds light on why and how canonical works became canonical.

Revue de presse

'Matz provides both insightful readings and an important rethinking of the social, intellectual, and literary contexts of the Renaissance's concern with the place and function of literature.' Early Modern Literary Studies

'Matz's readings are lucid and well grounded and they help to stimulate new thinking ...' Shakespeare Yearbook

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Cambridge University Press
• Date d'édition: 2000
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0521660807
• ISBN 13: 9780521660808
• Reliure: Relié
• Numéro d'édition: 1
• Nombre de pages: 204
• Coordonnées du fabricant: Cambridge University Press; https://www.cambridge.org/; ; Via Honduras,15; Pomezia; Italia; 71; Italie