A provocative and compelling exploration of the complex relationship between democracy and the arts Argues that democracies require art - challenging art - to ensure that they are acting as free societies Analyses the roles of dissenting and unpopular artists, such as Jackson Pollock, Bertolt Brecht, D.H.
This impressive, innovative book connects art and politics by way of forms.-- Andrew Sturgeon, Flavorwire, from 10 Must-Read Academic Books of 2015
Focusing on the often-overlooked middle sections of nineteenth-century British novels, this collection of essays offers fresh insights into how these narratives reflect and shape British culture. The contributors analyze the intricate plots and character systems that define this era's literature while highlighting the significance of the middle class and its cultural tastes. Through new interpretations of works by notable authors such as Austen, Dickens, and Eliot, the essays reveal the complex interplay between narrative structure and societal themes during a pivotal time in literary history.