Cambridge Studies in Eighteenth-Century English Literature and ThoughtSeries

This series of monographs and critical studies delves into the rich world of eighteenth-century English literature and thought. It examines authors, key works, literary genres, and the diverse aspects of the era's cultural landscape. Offering deep insights, it illuminates the intellectual and artistic life of this pivotal period.

The Transformation of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Locke, Literary Criticism, and Philosophy

Sterne's Fiction and the Double Principle

Recommended Reading Order

Sterne's Fiction and the Double Principle
Jonathan Lamb
176 pages
7 hours of reading
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Jonathan Lamb explores the concept of pleonasm in Sterne's work, referring to it as the 'double principle'. This analysis delves into how Sterne employs redundancy in language to enhance meaning and create a unique narrative style. By examining this linguistic technique, Lamb reveals the complexities and nuances in Sterne's writing, highlighting its impact on the reader's experience and interpretation. The study provides insight into the interplay between language and meaning in literature.
Locke, Literary Criticism, and Philosophy
William Walker
248 pages
9 hours of reading
This work connects philosophical insights with literary criticism regarding Locke's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding." It explores the interplay between Locke's theories and their implications for literature, offering a comprehensive analysis that enhances the understanding of both fields. By examining key themes and concepts, the book provides a nuanced perspective on how Locke's ideas influence literary interpretation and critique, making it a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.
History and the Early English Novel
Matters of Fact from Bacon to Defoe
Robert Mayer
264 pages
10 hours of reading
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The book delves into the concept of 'history' and its significance in shaping the modern English novel. It examines how historical contexts and events have influenced narrative structures and themes in literature, highlighting the interplay between fiction and historical reality. Through a critical analysis, it uncovers the ways in which authors have engaged with historical narratives, ultimately revealing the profound impact of history on the development of the novel as a literary form.
The Transformation of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
David Womersley
332 pages
12 hours of reading
Focusing on Edward Gibbon's The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, this analysis explores its dual nature as a literary masterpiece and historical account. David Womersley delves into Gibbon's narrative style, thematic depth, and the historical context that shaped this influential work, highlighting its significance in both literary and historical discourse. Through this examination, readers gain insight into Gibbon's contributions to our understanding of the Roman Empire's complexities and its enduring impact on literature and historiography.
Landscape, Liberty and Authority
Tim Fulford
272 pages
10 hours of reading
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Exploring landscape description in the works of notable writers such as Thomson, Cowper, and Wordsworth, the book delves into the interplay between liberty and authority during Britain's evolving national identity. It highlights the tensions authors faced in relating to the public sphere, presenting a fresh perspective on the literary and political dynamics that shaped the early eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Fulford's analysis reveals how these descriptions were integral to broader societal debates.
Swift's Politics
A Study in Disaffection
Ian Higgins
248 pages
9 hours of reading
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The book offers a critical analysis of Jonathan Swift's political writings, focusing specifically on "A Tale of a Tub" and "Gulliver's Travels." It examines the historical context and themes within these works, revealing how they reflect Swift's views on politics and society. Through this reassessment, the author highlights the complexities of Swift's satire and the relevance of his commentary in both his time and contemporary discourse.
Swift's Parody
Robert Phiddian
236 pages
9 hours of reading
Focusing on parody as a key structural element in Jonathan Swift's prose, this study examines his works, particularly A Tale of a Tub, before 1714. Robert Phiddian analyzes how Swift constructs and deconstructs textual authority, revealing insights into cultural-historical, biographical, and literary contexts. The research highlights the occasions of Swift's parodies, their relationships with quoted texts, and their impact on cultural authority in late-Stuart England. Additionally, it offers a fresh perspective on Swift's early career as a potentially Whiggish intellectual while exploring the intricacies of language and irony.
Rural Life in Eighteenth-Century English Poetry
John Goodridge
244 pages
9 hours of reading
The study delves into the significant impact of self-taught English rural poetry on eighteenth-century literary culture, challenging previous perceptions. John Goodridge analyzes works by James Thomson, Stephen Duck, and Mary Collier, while closely examining John Dyer's The Fleece. The exploration highlights the purpose of rural poetry and its connection to real-world agricultural and folkloric developments, revealing a deeper understanding of the genre's relevance during that period.
Richardson's 'Clarissa' and the Eighteenth-Century Reader
Tom Keymer
296 pages
11 hours of reading
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The novel employs an epistolary format, presenting diverse perspectives without direct authorial intervention, allowing readers to interpret the narrative independently. Tom Keymer challenges recent critiques that view this openness as undermining the author's didactic intent, suggesting instead that Richardson encourages readers to engage actively with the text. Keymer analyzes the initial three installments of the novel, exploring its ethical and political implications while reflecting on contemporary reader responses to highlight Richardson's innovative storytelling techniques.
History and the Early English Novel
Robert Mayer
264 pages
10 hours of reading
The book delves into the concept of 'history' and its significance in shaping the modern English novel. It examines how historical contexts influence narrative structures and character development, offering insights into the interplay between literary form and historical events. By analyzing various texts, the work highlights the ways in which authors engage with historical themes, ultimately revealing the profound impact of history on the evolution of the novel as a literary genre.
Narratives of Enlightenment
Cosmopolitan History from Voltaire to Gibbon
Karen O'Brien
268 pages
10 hours of reading
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Focusing on five influential narrative historians from the eighteenth century, this book offers a critical examination of their contributions to historical writing. It explores the works of Voltaire, Hume, Robertson, Gibbon, and Ramsay, highlighting their unique perspectives and the impact they had on the understanding of history in Europe and America during that era. The analysis delves into their narrative techniques and the broader historical context in which they operated, providing insights into the evolution of historiography.