First coming to prominence as an actress and scandalous celebrity, Mary Robinson created an identity for herself as a Romantic poet and novelist in the 1790s. Through a series of literary dialogues with established writers, Robinson put herself at the center of Romantic literary culture as observer, participant, and creator. Cross argues that Robinson's dialogues shaped the nature of Romantic writing both in content and form and influenced second-generation Romantics. These dialogues further establish the idea of Romantic discourse as essentially interactive and conversational, not the work of original geniuses working in isolation, and positions Robinson as a central player in its genesis.

About the Author

Ashley Cross is Professor of English at Manhattan College, USA.

Reviews

"This book offers an exciting thesis that deeply enriches our understanding of how deliberately Mary Robinson constructed her authorial identity and how that self-construction helped to share Romanticism."

- Harriet Kramer Linkin, New Mexico State University

"This book will be an essential read not only for those researching and teaching Mary Robinson but also for those seeking to understand the inter-subjective, intertextual, and interactive elements of early Romanticism."

- Susan Civale, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tulas Studies in Women's Literature

Book Information
ISBN 9780367346737
Author Ashley Cross
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 562g