Victorian Narratives of the Recent Past

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The book explores the complexities of narrating recent history in the nineteenth century, highlighting the impact of Romantic historicism and the emergence of professional historical disciplines. It contrasts Victorian histories with novels, showcasing historians like Harriet Martineau and J. R. Green who tackled controversial topics. It also argues for the historical significance of works by Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth Gaskell, and George Eliot, emphasizing their focus on provincial communities and women's roles in history, thus redefining the genre of historical novels.