William Hazlitt is regarded as the finest prose stylist of the English Romantic period, by virtue of his work as an essayist, metaphysician, and a critic of literature and the fine arts. William Hazlitt: Political Essayist makes the case for including politics in this achievement.
The book delves into the complex role of conservative thinkers during the Romantic period, emphasizing their efforts to reshape British culture in response to revolutionary threats rather than merely preserving the old order. Kevin Gilmartin examines various literary forms, such as ballads and novels, that served as vital tools for counterrevolutionary expression. He traces the evolution of these ideas from the loyalist pamphlet campaigns of the 1790s to the contributions of notable figures like Robert Southey and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, highlighting the strategic use of print culture in their campaigns.
The Press and Radical Opposition in Early Nineteenth-Century England
Focusing on the radical movement for parliamentary reform in early 19th-century Britain, this study delves into the interplay between popular agitation and oppressive political responses. Kevin Gilmartin examines how influential writers and editors navigated a landscape of seditious trials, employing diverse styles and strategies in the periodical press. He highlights their commitment to independent political opposition, showcasing their complex relationship with the corrupt political system they aimed to resist while adapting its practices for their own purposes.
The pub has been at the centre of Irish life for centuries. It has played many roles: funeral home, restaurant, grocery shop, music venue, job centre and meeting place for everyone from poets to revolutionaries. Often plain and unpretentious, it is a neutral ground, a leveller - a home away from home.
The book delves into the influence of periodical reviews and anti-Jacobin fiction in shaping public opinion during the revolutionary period. It explores how these literary forms were employed as tools to combat revolutionary ideas, highlighting their significance in the broader cultural and political context of the time. Through this analysis, the author uncovers the strategies used by writers and critics to reinforce traditional values and counter the revolutionary narrative.