Exploring the concept of otherness, this study delves into the intersections of poetry, history, and theory within literature and culture. It examines diverse topics, including trauma in Shakespeare, Bartolomé de Las Casas' portrayal of the Americas, the experiences of trench poets, and the voices emerging from the Holocaust. Each chapter offers a unique lens on how literature reflects and shapes cultural narratives and historical experiences.
J. Hart Book order






- 2015
- 2015
Columbus, Shakespeare, and the Interpretation of the New World
- 231 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The book delves into the intricate European perceptions of the New World, analyzing Columbus's initial depictions of natives and how these evolved over time. It explores themes such as the sexualization of America, the roles of various translators, and the interplay between aesthetic and colonial elements in Shakespeare's The Tempest. Additionally, it addresses cultural appropriation and the colonial legacy in a postcolonial context, offering a comparative study of the Americas and the Atlantic world that connects historical interpretations to contemporary issues.
- 2013
Exploring the connections between language and slavery, this book traces the historical journey from the Portuguese enslavement of Africans to representations in Shakespeare's works and culminates in President Obama's reflections on "modern slavery." It combines detailed textual analysis with broader cultural context, providing fresh perspectives on themes of otherness, rhetoric, and stereotyping throughout history.
- 2012
Textual Imitation: Making and Seeing in Literature
Making and Seeing in Literature
- 158 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Exploring the intricate relationship between fiction and truth, Jonathan Hart presents a compelling critique that emphasizes the roles of recognition and misrecognition in interpreting texts. His argument spans a diverse range of contexts, bridging the Old World and the New World, and delves into the connections between poetry and philosophy. This insightful analysis invites readers to reconsider how we engage with literature and its broader implications in understanding culture and society.
- 2012
Fictional and Historical Worlds
- 280 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Exploring a wide range of themes such as authority, otherness, and imagination, this book delves into both possible and fictional worlds. It analyzes classical and modern texts, drawing on theories from notable figures like Jerome Bruner and Stephen Greenblatt over the past sixty years. Key topics include translation, alternative critique, empire, education, comedy, history, poetry, and culture, offering a comprehensive examination of how these elements interact and shape our understanding of literature and society.
- 2011
Shakespeare and His Contemporaries
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Focusing on the interplay of language and genre, this book explores Shakespeare's comedies alongside those from Italy, Spain, and France during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It delves into the dramatic elements and literary narratives of the time, providing a comparative analysis that highlights the cultural influences and thematic connections between these works. Through this examination, the book enriches the understanding of Shakespeare's comedic contributions within a broader European context.
- 2011
Literature, Theory, History
- 265 pages
- 10 hours of reading
The book explores the intricate connections between literature, theory, and history, emphasizing comparative literature. It delves into various themes such as culture, poetics, rhetoric, theatricality, genre, and gender. By balancing close reading with theoretical frameworks and historical context, it offers a comprehensive analysis of literary works and their broader implications, making it a valuable resource for understanding the interplay between these disciplines.
- 2009
Exploring themes of love, lust, time, culture, and history, this reinterpretation of Shakespeare's works offers fresh insights into his narratives. Hart provides in-depth analyses of the Bard's narrative poems and sonnets, while also addressing gender dynamics in his history plays. Through close readings and contextual discussions, the book reveals the complexities of Shakespeare's fictional worlds and his portrayal of historical events, showcasing Hart's extensive expertise in the field.
- 2008
Towerland
- 352 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The story follows Jake Stafford, a computer genius who creates the first thinking computer, which sparks a partnership with Amy Watson to build a groundbreaking company. As they face opposition from established powers and navigate the escalating impacts of global warming, the computer devises a plan for TowerLand, a safe haven for humanity. However, as construction begins, the U.S. perceives TowerLand as a threat, leading to a conflict. The narrative explores themes of innovation, survival, and the clash between progress and tradition.
- 2006
Exploring the intersection of various disciplines, this study delves into the ways culture is perceived and interpreted. It offers critical analyses and theoretical frameworks through close readings of literature, philosophy, history, psychology, and visual arts, featuring works by and about diverse individuals from Europe, the Americas, and beyond. The book invites readers to engage with cultural texts, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of cultural interpretation across different contexts.