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The Poetry of Victorian Scientists

Style, Science and Nonsense

Daniel Brown author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:21st May '15

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The Poetry of Victorian Scientists cover

This insightful study explores the poetic works of Victorian scientists, revealing their creative contributions to both literature and science, particularly in The Poetry of Victorian Scientists.

In The Poetry of Victorian Scientists, the author examines the often-overlooked intersection of science and literature during the Victorian era. While traditional studies have focused on the responses of prominent literary figures to geological and evolutionary theories, this groundbreaking work shifts the spotlight to the poetic contributions of scientists themselves. By highlighting the lyrical expressions of physicists and mathematicians, the book uncovers a rich tapestry of creative thought that has largely been neglected in academic discourse.

The exploration reveals that many Victorian scientists engaged with poetry as a natural extension of their scientific curiosity. Through playful interactions with concepts like nonsense and whimsy, figures such as James Clerk Maxwell utilized verse to navigate the complexities of emerging scientific ideas. This unique approach not only sheds light on the personal reflections of these scientists but also illustrates how their creative endeavors were intertwined with their professional pursuits.

The Poetry of Victorian Scientists is more than just a study of poetry; it is a window into the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Victorian era. By connecting the dots between scientific inquiry and literary expression, the book offers a compelling narrative that enriches our understanding of both fields. This first-of-its-kind examination serves as a vital resource for those interested in the broader implications of science and literature during a transformative period in history.

'… provides fresh perspectives on, and a thorough engagement with, the wider scientific and literary culture of the era … it is likely to become a standard point of departure for those studying the poetry of that most remarkable and multifaceted of Victorian natural philosophers, James Clerk Maxwell.' London Mathematical Society Newsletter
'… does for verse what Beer's Darwin Plots (1983) did for the novel, and reveals, often compellingly, how poetry and poetics were crucial components of the working practices and intellectual activities of many of the most influential men of science in the second half of the nineteenth century … a stimulating and fascinating book.' Gowan Dawson, Journal of Victorian Culture
'Daniel Brown's highly original and stimulating new book shows us that poetry mattered to Victorian scientists … Brown's scholarship is intense and impressive.' John Holmes, University of Reading
'The book argues persuasively for the importance of poetry to a number of Victorian scientific figures … The Poetry of Victorian Scientists does valuable work in mapping and contextualizing the various poetic writings of these figures, and it represents a major contribution to scholarship on poetry by 19th-century scientists.' Gregory Tate, The Review of English Studies

ISBN: 9781107527447

Dimensions: 230mm x 152mm x 16mm

Weight: 480g

330 pages