Matthew Ward – författare

The Romantic period witnessed decisive interest in how feeling might align with forms of artistic expression. Many critical studies have focused on the serious side and melancholic moods of Romantic poets. Romantic Poets and the Laughter of Feeling instead embraces the sublime and the ridiculous to offer an original and compelling new reading of British Romanticism. It reveals the decisive role laughter and the laughable play in Romantic aesthetics, emotions, and ethics. Matthew Ward shows that laughter was one of the primary means by which Romantics embraced and expanded upon, but also frequently aped and lampooned, sympathetic feeling. The laughter of feeling is both the expression of sympathy and an articulation of its implications, prejudices, and constraints. For Romantic poets like Wordsworth, Shelley, and Keats, the sound of laughter carries the hope that greater knowledge of others derives from feeling for and with them through poetry, and this might lead to a better understanding of oneself. Yet laughter also makes these poets acutely aware that our emotional lives are utterly unfamiliar and perhaps ultimately unknowable. Their prosody of laughter enlivens and exposes; it embodies their sense of—and ambitions for—poetry, and yet calls those matters into the most comical and gravest doubt. Laughter helps define what it is to be human. This book shows that it also defines what it is to be a 'Romantic' poet.

Thomas Hobbes and Political Thought in Ireland, c.1660-1730 is a history of political thought in Ireland, told from the perspective of the reception in that country of Thomas Hobbes, the English philosopher. Unlike Hobbes, political thought in Ireland has received little attention from historians: it is sometimes assumed that there is not much of a subject to study. The reception of Hobbes in Ireland forces us to challenge this assumption. To begin with, Matthew Ward highlights the variety and sophistication of political thought in Ireland. In his political thought, Hobbes was preoccupied by sovereignty, which he conceptualized in terms of natural law and made the defining characteristic of the commonwealth, or the 'Leviathan'; but he applied his concept of sovereignty to a broad range of political issues. His political thought was also part of a wider philosophical system which comprehended history, theology, natural philosophy, and mathematics. They may have been fewer than their counterparts in England, but Hobbes's readers in Ireland read him closely and compulsively. Indeed, they often fixated on his treatment of subjects, such as taxation, corporations, and the organization of empire, that were overlooked by his readers in England.The reception of Hobbes in Ireland also tells, therefore, of the distinctiveness of Ireland as a context of political thought. Hobbes's readers in Ireland were not only concerned with a distinctive selection of subjects; they also received Hobbes more positively than his readers in England. In England, Hobbes's concept of sovereignty was reviled for emasculating Parliament, the Anglican Church, and the common law. Too compelling to ignore, the 'Leviathan' had to be 'tamed'. In Ireland, where these institutions were weaker, the 'Leviathan' could be released. The key figures in the reception of Hobbes in Ireland in this period- Sir William Petty, John Vesey, and Edward Synge- were of different generations and political contexts. All three, however, engaged with aspects and implications of Hobbes's concept of sovereignty, to which they more sympathetic than their English contemporaries, to intervene in Irish politics. They prompt us to consider the geography of the discourse of sovereignty in the British world, not only in those days, but also in these.

'A hugely entertaining debut' John Gwynne'An incredibly impressive piece of fantasy fiction' The Fantasy Inn'A great romp in a brilliantly realised setting . . . I have lost sleep, forgotten food and made this the thing I pick up every moment I can get' SFFWorldA shadow has fallen over the Tressian Republic.Ruling families - once protectors of justice and democracy - now plot against one another with sharp words and sharper knives. Blinded by ambition, they remain heedless of the threat posed by the invading armies of the Hadari Empire.Yet as Tressia falls, heroes rise.Viktor Akadra is the Republic's champion. A warrior without equal, he hides a secret that would see him burned as a heretic.Josiri Trelan is Viktor's sworn enemy. A political prisoner, he dreams of reigniting his mother's failed rebellion. And yet Calenne, Josiri's sister, seeks only to break free of their tarnished legacy; to escape the expectation and prejudice that haunts the Trelan name.As war spreads across the Republic, these three must set aside their differences in order to save their homeland. However, decades of bad blood are not easily forgotten - victory will demand a darker price than any of them could have imagined.Legacy of Ash is an epic tale of war and revolution, packed with vicious intrigue, ancient magic and a host of memorable characters - an unmissable fantasy debut from an exciting new British talent.

'A hugely entertaining debut' John Gwynne'Epic fantasy as it should be; big, bold and very addictive' Starburst'A brilliantly realised setting . . . I have lost sleep, forgotten food and made this the thing I pick up every moment I can get' SFFWorldA shadow has fallen over the Tressian Republic.Ruling families plot against one another with sharp words and sharper knives, heedless of the threat posed by the invading armies of the Hadari Empire.The Republic faces its darkest hour. Yet as Tressia falls, heroes rise.Game of Thrones meets The Last Kingdom in Matthew Ward's Legacy of Ash - an unmissable epic fantasy debut of vicious intrigue, ancient magic and the eternal clash of empires. 'Incredible action scenes' Fantasy Hive'Magnificent and epic' Grimdark magazine'Rivals Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance. It's really good' EngadgetThe Legacy TrilogyLegacy of AshLegacy of Steel Legacy of Light The Soulfire SagaThe Darkness Before ThemThe Fire Within Them

Warfare, myth and magic collide in Legacy of Steel, the spectacular sequel to Matthew Ward's acclaimed fantasy debut Legacy of Ash. A year has passed since an unlikely alliance saved the Tressian Republic from fire and darkness - at great cost. Thousands perished, and Viktor Akadra - the Republic's champion - has disappeared. While the ruling council struggles to mend old wounds, other factions sense opportunity. The insidious Parliament of Crows schemes in the shadows, while to the east the Hadari Emperor gathers his armies. As turmoil spreads across the Republic, its ripples are felt in the realms of the divine. War is coming . . . and this time the gods themselves will take sides.Praise for the series:'A hugely entertaining debut' John Gwynne'Epic fantasy as it should be; big, bold and very addictive' Starburst'Incredible action scenes' Fantasy Hive'Magnificent and epic' Grimdark magazine

'Outstanding' Publishers Weekly (starred review)Warfare, myth and magic collide in Legacy of Steel, the spectacular sequel to Matthew Ward's acclaimed fantasy debut, Legacy of Ash. A year has passed since an unlikely alliance saved the Tressian Republic from fire and darkness - at great cost. Thousands perished, and Viktor Akadra - the Republic's champion - has disappeared. While the ruling council struggles to mend old wounds, other factions sense opportunity. The insidious Parliament of Crows schemes in the shadows, while to the east the Hadari Emperor gathers his armies. As turmoil spreads across the Republic, its ripples are felt in the realms of the divine. War is coming . . . and this time the gods themselves will take sides.Praise for the series:'A hugely entertaining debut' John Gwynne'Epic fantasy as it should be; big, bold and very addictive' Starburst'Incredible action scenes' Fantasy Hive'Magnificent and epic' Grimdark MagazineThe Legacy TrilogyLegacy of AshLegacy of SteelLegacy of LightThe Soulfire SagaThe Darkness Before ThemThe Fire Within Them

'Expertly wrought . . . a vigorous, bravura saga' Publishers Weekly (starred review) Warfare, myth and magic collide in Legacy of Light, the spectacular conclusion to Matthew Ward's acclaimed Legacy trilogy. For the first time in many years, the Tressian Republic and the Hadari Empire are at peace. But war never sleeps. In Tregard, Empress Melanna Saranal struggles to protect a throne won at great cost. In Tressia, Lord Protector Viktor Droshna pursues forbidden power to restore all he's lost.As the sins of the past are once more laid bare, every road leads to war. Darkness gathers, alliances shatter and one final battle looms. What hope remains, lies within the light.Praise for the series:'Hugely entertaining' John Gwynne'Epic fantasy as it should be; big, bold and very addictive' Starburst'Incredible action scenes' Fantasy Hive'Magnificent and epic' Grimdark Magazine The Legacy TrilogyLegacy of AshLegacy of SteelLegacy of LightThe Soulfire SagaThe Darkness Before ThemThe Fire Within Them

'The Darkness Before Them brims with magic, monsters and intrigue, and the depth of the world is wonderfully, enthrallingly complex . . . a delight' Ben GalleyALL PATHS LEAD TO VENGEANCEThese are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.Kat doesn't care about any of that. A talented thief, she's pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique gift: she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She'll need every advantage she can get.Kat's not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad's future begins, everyone - Kat included - will have to pick a side.Set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic, The Darkness Before Them begins a heart-pounding adventure where a thief dares to seek vengeance - and finds herself on the path to war.'Full of action, heart, betrayal, and set in a dark, engaging world, this book continues Ward's ability to deliver doorstopper dark fantasy that you just can't put down' Grimdark Magazine Praise for Matthew Ward'Epic fantasy as it should be: big, bold and very addictive' Starburst Magazine'Magnificant and epic' Grimdark Magazine 'Hugely entertaining' John Gywnne'Incredible action scenes' Fantasy Hive Books by Matthew Ward:The Soulfire SagaThe Darkness Before ThemThe Fire Within ThemThe Legacy trilogyLegacy of AshLegacy of SteelLegacy of Light

Set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic, The Fire Within Them continues a heart-pounding adventure where a thief dares to seek vengeance - and finds herself on the path to war.For the first time in a millennia, the kingdom of Khalad is divided. The Battle of Athenoch has fanned the spark of Bashar Vallant's rebellion to a raging flame. Tyzanta, jewel of the east, has declared for his cause, and other cities have followed. Vallant, the people's hero, may soon be powerful enough to challenge Caradan Diar, Khalad's immortal king.But such power demands great personal sacrifice.Afflicted with omen rot after channelling the Deadwinds to save Athenoch from the koilos army, Kat searches for a means to stop the disease killing her as it did her mother. Her journey will uncover secrets long since buried - secrets concerning her past, her family and the kingdom itself. Eventually she'll learn that the past never stays buried in Khalad - and that the truth can cut deeper than any blade.Praise for the Soulfire Saga'Full of action, heart, betrayal, and set in a dark, engaging world, this book continues Ward's ability to deliver doorstopper dark fantasy that you just can't put down' Grimdark Magaine 'The Darkness Before Them brims with magic, monsters and intrigue, and the depth of the world is wonderfully, enthrallingly complex . . . a delight' Ben Galley'After setting up the pieces for a familiar fantasy caper, Ward neatly reassembles this story into a thoughtful examination of the limits of duty and loyalty . . . A promising series launch' Publishers Weekly 'Fantastic . . . a completely captivating start to a new series' Grimdark Dad'Ward has built a vast history into this world with an interesting magic system of runes and tattoos' SFFWorldAlso by Matthew Ward:The Soulfire SagaThe Darkness Before ThemThe Legacy trilogyLegacy of AshLegacy of SteelLegacy of Light

The Lie That Binds Them is the thrilling conclusion to the Soulfire Saga, an epic fantasy series packed with adventure and intrigue, set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic.The Eternity King, Caradan Diar, is dead. But a dread Queen rules in his place and a new age of darkness threatens to overwhelm Khalad.Tyzanta - greatest of the free cities - has fallen to the Queen's armies. Worse, the leader of the rebellion, Bashar Vallant, is missing, presumed dead.What hope remains rests with Katija Arvish and her allies. They alone know the truth behind the secrets that hold Khalad together. They alone can break the realm's shackles and deliver freedom to its people.But to do so they must destroy an ancient god of unimaginable power. In the end, the lie that binds them may be their only salvation.'The Darkness Before Them brims with magic, monsters and intrigue, and the depth of the world is wonderfully, enthrallingly complex . . . a delight' Ben Galley'Full of action, heart, betrayal, and set in a dark, engaging world, The Darkness Before Them continues Ward's ability to deliver doorstopper dark fantasy that you just can't put down' Grimdark Magazine

For Byron, poetic achievement was always relative. Writing meant dwelling in an echo chamber of other voices that enriched and contextualised what he had to say. He believed that literary traditions mattered and regarded poetic form as something embedded in historical moments and places. His poetry, as this volume demonstrates, engaged richly and experimentally with English influences and in turn licenced experimentation in multiple strands of post-Romantic English verse. In Byron Among the English Poets he is seen as a poet's poet, a writer whose verse has served as both echo of and prompt for a host of other voices. Here, leading international scholars consider both the contours of individual literary relationships and broader questions regarding the workings of intertextuality, exploring the many ways Byron might be thought to be 'among' the poets: alluding and alluded to; collaborative; competitive; parodied; worked and reworked in imitations, critiques, tributes, travesties and biographies.

For Byron, poetic achievement was always relative. Writing meant dwelling in an echo chamber of other voices that enriched and contextualised what he had to say. He believed that literary traditions mattered and regarded poetic form as something embedded in historical moments and places. His poetry, as this volume demonstrates, engaged richly and experimentally with English influences and in turn licenced experimentation in multiple strands of post-Romantic English verse. In Byron Among the English Poets he is seen as a poet's poet, a writer whose verse has served as both echo of and prompt for a host of other voices. Here, leading international scholars consider both the contours of individual literary relationships and broader questions regarding the workings of intertextuality, exploring the many ways Byron might be thought to be 'among' the poets: alluding and alluded to; collaborative; competitive; parodied; worked and reworked in imitations, critiques, tributes, travesties and biographies.

This book explores the place of loyalty in the relationship between the monarchy and their subjects in late medieval and early modern Britain.

This book explores the place of loyalty in the relationship between the monarchy and their subjects in late medieval and early modern Britain.