Hardy, Conrad and the Senses by Hugh Epstein

Explores `scenic realism' in the major novels of Thomas Hardy and Joseph ConradOffers the first book-length study of connections between these two major authors bringing?new approaches to bear on often-taught worksProvides an understanding of impressionist styles of writing that is drawn from contemporary empirical scienceTells a progressive chronological story of both authors' use of the senses in their fictionArgues for a distinctive place for Hardy and Conrad in late-Victorian fiction which challenges the narrative of a modernist rupture with Victorian realismSupported by wide reading in nineteenth-century science and letters, and comprehensive knowledge of twentieth century criticism of the two novelistsThis book reads?the highly descriptive impressionist writings of Hardy and Conrad together in the light of a shared attention to sight and sound. With a focus on nature and the environment, Hugh Epstein analyses thirteen of these powerful works in the historical company of contemporary discussions in Victorian science. He takes them beyond their `Victorian' and `Modernist' labels to show how vivid and urgent these novels are for the modern reader.
Binding: Paperback / softback