Lateness and Modern European Literature

This insightful work redefines modern literature by emphasizing the concept of 'lateness', offering a fresh perspective on European literary history and its quest for legitimacy.

In Lateness and Modern European Literature, Ben Hutchinson presents a compelling reinterpretation of modern literature, arguing that it should be viewed not merely as a series of innovations, but rather as a phenomenon characterized by a sense of 'lateness'. This perspective invites readers to explore how European literature has long defined itself through themes of chronology and imitation. Hutchinson posits that this sense of lateness reflects modernity's ongoing quest for legitimacy amidst the ever-changing landscape of literary expression.

The author delves into a diverse array of literary figures, ranging from the likes of Mary Shelley and Chateaubriand to Baudelaire and Henry James. By employing close readings of canonical texts alongside historical and theoretical comparisons across various national contexts, Hutchinson constructs a nuanced taxonomy of lateness. This framework reveals how modern writers, echoing Nietzsche's notion of 'creatures facing backwards', grapple with their literary heritage while striving to assert their place within it.

Ultimately, Lateness and Modern European Literature stands as an ambitious and original contribution to literary criticism. It challenges prevailing notions of what constitutes modernity in literature, encouraging readers to reconsider the significance of lateness as a vital aspect of artistic expression. Through this lens, Hutchinson not only enriches our understanding of European literary history but also opens up new avenues for future scholarship in the field.