A Genealogy of the Modern Self

Thomas De Quincey and the Intoxication of Writing

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, British
Cover of the book A Genealogy of the Modern Self by Alina Clej, Stanford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alina Clej ISBN: 9780804780766
Publisher: Stanford University Press Publication: August 1, 1995
Imprint: Stanford University Press Language: English
Author: Alina Clej
ISBN: 9780804780766
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Publication: August 1, 1995
Imprint: Stanford University Press
Language: English

As this book's title suggests, its main argument is that Thomas De Quincey's literary output, which is both a symptom and an effect of his addictions to opium and writing, plays an important and mostly unacknowledged role in the development of modern and modernist forms of subjectivity. At the same time, the book shows that intoxication, whether in the strict medical sense or in its less technical meaning ("strong excitement," "trance," "ecstasy"), is central to the ways in which modernity, and literary modernity in particular, functions and defines itself. In both its theoretical and practical implications, intoxication symbolizes and often comes to constitute the condition of the alienated artist in the age of the market. The book also offers new readings of the Confessions and some of De Quincey's posthumous writings, as well as an extended analysis of his relatively neglected diary. The discussion of De Quincey's work also elicits new insights into his relationship with William and Dorothy Wordsworth, as well as his imaginary investment in Coleridge.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

As this book's title suggests, its main argument is that Thomas De Quincey's literary output, which is both a symptom and an effect of his addictions to opium and writing, plays an important and mostly unacknowledged role in the development of modern and modernist forms of subjectivity. At the same time, the book shows that intoxication, whether in the strict medical sense or in its less technical meaning ("strong excitement," "trance," "ecstasy"), is central to the ways in which modernity, and literary modernity in particular, functions and defines itself. In both its theoretical and practical implications, intoxication symbolizes and often comes to constitute the condition of the alienated artist in the age of the market. The book also offers new readings of the Confessions and some of De Quincey's posthumous writings, as well as an extended analysis of his relatively neglected diary. The discussion of De Quincey's work also elicits new insights into his relationship with William and Dorothy Wordsworth, as well as his imaginary investment in Coleridge.

More books from Stanford University Press

Cover of the book Labor and Love in Guatemala by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Pragmatism's Advantage by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Race Migrations by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Achieving Excellence in Human Resources Management by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Maximizing the Triple Bottom Line Through Spiritual Leadership by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Pragmatism Ascendent by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Help or Harm by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Judging Bush by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Money Games by Alina Clej
Cover of the book The Class of 1761 by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Modern Migrations by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Exemplarity and Mediocrity by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Close Reading with Computers by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Resources for Reform by Alina Clej
Cover of the book Our Word Is Our Bond by Alina Clej
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy