Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Historical, Cultural and Intellectual Context
2.1 Arts and Culture
2.2 Philosophy and Religion
2.3. Politics and Economics
2.4. Developments in Science and Technology
3. Literature in the Victorian Period
3.1 Poetry
3.2 Fiction
3.3 Drama
3.4 Non-Fictional Prose
3.5 Literary Movements
4. Critical Approaches
4.1 Historical Overview
4.2 Current Issues and Debates
5. Resources for Independent Study
5.1 Chronology of Key Historical and Cultural Events
5.2 Glossary of Key Literary Terms and Concepts
5.3 Further Reading and Resources
Index

Promotional Information

A clear, concise and manageable overview of Victorian literature, society and culture

About the Author

Maureen Moran is Professor of English Literature at Brunel University, London, UK.

Reviews

'...On the one hand there is an unshakeable belief in progress and Britain's supremacy based on notions of Christian predestination, on the other a critical analysis of the nation's conflicts, shortcomings, and its failure to remove social inequality... I found her [the author's] explanation of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and the Aesthetic and Decadent movements very helpful - because I have never quite understood what held together these movements comprising both writers and painters... So - if you are doing A level literature, studying as an undergraduate, or a general reader who wants to know more about nineteenth century English Literature, this will point you in the right direction...'  Roy Johnson, 2007, Mantex.co.uk

'..indispensable not only "to orientate students as they begin a new module or area of study" (as stated on the back cover), but to guide teachers in preparing a Victorian Studies course.' 'Victorianists should be grateful to [Moran] for bringing her expertise to bear on this important guidebook, one that surveys concisely and authoritatively what she calls 'a society both confident and self-critical.' '...Moran has condensed the mindset, upheavals, and accomplishments of Victorian England into a readable and insightful handbook...' English Literature in Transition 1880-1920, vol. 51 No. 1, 2008, pp. 109-112 (by Michel W. Pharand, Queen's University, Canada)

'Moran's style is lucid and engaging...[she] surveys a substantial range of Victorian newspapers and periodicals—essential background information for those new to the period—adumbrating their various flavours and preoccupations. Victorian Literature and Culture is an inviting study of the period—eloquent and compact, it provides a tantalizing initiation to those entering or returning to the field.' Mandy Swann, University of New South Wales, Australian Journal of Victorian Studies, 12.1.

"As part of the 'Introduction to British Literature and Culture' series published by Continuum, Victorian Literature and Culture succeeds in its aim to provide a succinct orientation into the cultural, literary and critical aspects of the Victorian period, it also flags the challenges faced by a series like this, where the need to present a synopsis can conflict with the desire to map complex issues...Ultimately, Victorian Literature and Culture is an inviting study of the period-eloquent and compact, it provides a tantalizing initiation to those entering or reentering the field." -Mandy Swann, University of New South Wales, Australasian Journal of Victorian Studies  
*Mandy Swann*

"Maureen Moran has condensed the mindset, upheavals, and accomplishments of Victorian England into a readable and insightful handbook, beginning with the intellectual context of an era rife with contradictions...Victorian Literature and Culture, a sweeping panorama of works, movements, and ideologies, should be vade mecum of anyone wishing to contextualize the era's literature within a framework of values, beliefs, and trends.  Maureen Moran, Professor of English Literature at Brunel University, London, is a specialist in Victorian aesthetic, cultural, and critical theory.  Victorianists should be grateful to her for bringing her expertise to bear on this important guidebook, one that surveys concisely and authoritatively what she calls 'a society both confident and self-critical.'" -Michel W. Pharand, English Literature in Transition 1880-1920, 2008
*Michel W. Pharand*

'[this] series offers both the student reader and teacher exciting and invaluable interventions in and reorientations around questions of history, culture, and period ... With brio, verve, and an admirable brevity, the series grounds our understanding of literature and culture in thought-provoking and highly original ways. ... an indispensible series that will set the benchmark for all such surveys and overviews.' - Julian Wolfreys, Professor of Victorian Literary and Cultural Studies at the University of Florida.
*Blurb from reviewer*

'Concept looks good ... I like the idea... they should do very well'
*Blurb from reviewer*

'this is a book which we would like our first years to have read - a guide which gives the information without which a student would be entirely at sea.' - Professor Lisa Hopkins, Sheffield Hallam University (from proposal)'
*Blurb from reviewer*