Alcohol aside, few substances can be said to have occupied such a place in Western literature as opium. From the exuberant isolation of Romanticism to the the paranoia of postmodernism, opiates have influenced a host of writers across a range of time periods, carrying them to the furthermost reaches of ecstasy and despair. This collection is a bringing together of writings by some of the best authors in the Western literary canon - from Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Alfred Lord Tennyson to Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle - around a central theme which is fascinating for both historical and artistic reasons.
This collection of essays by leading and new British scholars demonstrates the different ways in which Romanticism is currently being revalued and reconceived. No longer are scholars working within the constraints of the old canon which insisted on the division of the central and the marginal, for new Romanticism is being realised as a wider range of cultural activity unconfined by genre, gender, class, rhetoric or style.
Excerpts from criticism of the works of novelists, poets, playwrights, short story writers and other creative writers who lived between 1800 and 1900, from the first published critical appraisals to current evaluations.
The Harvard Classics Anthology stands as a monumental collection that showcases the remarkable breadth and depth of human thought, creativity, and expression across ages and cultures. Featuring works by luminary figures such as Plato, Shakespeare, Kant, Darwin, and many others, this anthology spans a multitude of literary styles, from the philosophical treatises of antiquity to the poignant narratives of the modern era. Each piece has been carefully selected to highlight the diversity of human thought and the continuities in our collective intellectual and cultural endeavors. The inclusion of stand-out pieces from varied time periods and geographic locales underscores the anthology's commitment to a comprehensive exploration of the human condition. Bringing together authors from the realms of literature, science, philosophy, and beyond, The Harvard Classics Anthology encompasses a striking array of backgrounds and perspectives. These authors, hailing from different centuries and societies, contribute to a dialogue that transcends temporal and geographical boundaries. The collection aligns with significant historical, cultural, and literary movements, offering readers insights into the development of human thought and the interplay of cultural forces. The varied voices in this anthology enrich the overarching theme by providing a multifaceted exploration of humanity's greatest achievements, struggles, and questions. The Harvard Classics Anthology is a testament to the enduring power of the written word and its capacity to illuminate the complexities of the human experience. Readers are afforded a unique opportunity to journey through time and space, encountering the minds and hearts of some of history's most revered thinkers and writers. This anthology is not merely a collection of works; it is an invitation to engage in a dialogue with the giants of human history. For scholars, students, and the intellectually curious, this volume offers an unparalleled educational experience, and the breadth of insights contained within its pages fosters a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and the continuing narrative of human thought and creativity.
