Intercultural Voices in Contemporary British Literature: The Implosion of Empire

by L. Sauerberg

Overview

During the last decades of the twentieth century it has become increasingly difficult to consider British literature as 'national' or 'mainstream'. The book investigates contemporary fiction and poetry written in, or relating to, Britain and uncovers a distinct sense of a new and different national and social reality. Tracing literary effects of migration, globalization, and regionalization the book focuses on literary tradition as an inspiration or object of hate and frustration for the exploration and expression of post-Imperial experiences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333801703
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	11/12/2001
Edition description:	2001
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)
Lexile:	1650L (what's this?)

About the Author

LARS OLE SAUEBERG is Professor of Literature in English at the University of Southern Denmark and General Editor of Orbis Litterarum.

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction Literary Britain Between the Imperial Legacy and Regional Devolution Verbal (Pre)Occupations Wholly Female, Partly Foreign In the Great Tradition-but with a Difference Global Villagers Adopting and Adapting Crime Fiction Conclusive Essay: Critical Perspective Notes Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

Viewing literary Britain as in transition between its colonial legacy and place in the new Europe, Sauerberg (literature in English, U. of Southern Denmark) explores the cosmopolitan "compound voices" of the new British writing<-->including greater representation of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Rather than offering a general literary history tainted with "theoretical imperialism," the author follows several latter 20th century literary currents. Analysis includes themes in post-World War II fiction; poetry treating gender/ethnic/cultural differences; works of "global villagers" (e.g., Martin Amis, Maureen Duffy, Ian McEwan); and crime fiction as a barometer of social change. The final chapter discusses critical- theoretical issues. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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