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Reading Modernism's Readers

Virginia Woolf, Psychoanalysis and the Bestseller

Helen Tyson author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Edinburgh University Press

Published:31st Jul '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Reading Modernism's Readers cover

This book explores early twentieth-century reading practices in modernism and psychoanalysis, focusing on Virginia Woolf and others, while examining literature's influence on cultural and psychological dynamics in contemporary society.

"Reading Modernism's Readers: Virginia Woolf, Psychoanalysis and the Bestseller" explores the dynamics of reading within the frameworks of modernism, psychoanalysis, and popular literature from the early twentieth century. The author focuses on Virginia Woolf's work, juxtaposing her novels with those of notable figures such as Marcel Proust, Sigmund Freud, and Melanie Klein. By doing so, the book challenges conventional critical perspectives on modernist reading practices, offering fresh insights into the cultural implications of these texts.

The analysis reveals how the modernist reading experience reflects significant cultural fantasies regarding literature's impact on psychological, social, and political life. By intertwining modernist literature with psychoanalytic theory and popular bestsellers, the author illustrates the multifaceted nature of reading during this period. This approach not only enriches our understanding of Woolf and her contemporaries but also invites readers to reconsider their own assumptions about literature's role in shaping thought and society.

Furthermore, "Reading Modernism's Readers" addresses the enduring legacies of modernism in contemporary literature, particularly in light of pressing questions about reading practices today. As the book navigates the intersections of these literary forms, it encourages a deeper engagement with the texts and highlights the evolving nature of reading in an increasingly complex cultural landscape. Ultimately, the work serves as a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about modernism and its relevance in our current literary and social contexts.

ISBN: 9781399522090

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

240 pages