Richard Polwhele and Romantic Culture

This insightful exploration of Richard Polwhele and Romantic Culture reveals the complexities of Polwhele's contributions to literature and politics in his time.

This book explores the significance of Richard Polwhele's work within the broader context of late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century British literature. It examines key themes such as the political landscape and the nature of literary production in non-metropolitan Britain, making it a valuable resource for scholars in the field. By focusing on Polwhele's contributions, the text sheds light on the complexities of literary sociability during a time of significant social and economic change.

Richard Polwhele, often remembered for his critique of radical women writers in The Unsex’d Females, was a multifaceted figure. A historian, translator, memoirist, and poet, Polwhele's extensive body of work includes sermons, open letters, and even verses for headstones. This book aims to recover the overlooked aspects of his life and writings, positioning him within the vibrant loyalist tradition of British Romantic culture through a careful examination of previously unstudied texts and manuscripts.

The narrative delves into Polwhele's dual nature—his longing for social connection and his penchant for spirited debate. His contributions across various disciplines reveal the richness and dynamism of what has often been dismissed as provincial and reactionary. By situating his work within the central concerns of his era, it advocates for a more inclusive understanding of Romanticism, challenging the notion of Polwhele as merely a relic of High Tory reaction.