Victorian Literature and Culture

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

'...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

• 1. Introduction 2. Historical, Cultural and Intellectual Context 2.1 Arts and Culture2.2 Philosophy and Religion2.3. Politics and Economics2.4. Developments in Science and Technology3. Literature in the Victorian Period 3.1 Poetry3.2 Fiction3.3 Drama3.4 Non-Fictional Prose3.5 Literary Movements4. Critical Approaches 4.1 Historical Overview4.2 Current Issues and Debates5. Resources for Independent Study 5.1 Chronology of Key Historical and Cultural Events5.2 Glossary of Key Literary Terms and Concepts5.3 Further Reading and ResourcesIndex