Synopses & Reviews
Review
"How does one review what must be one of the most readable and important works in intellectual and literary history to have been published in 1974? Basically, it cannot be done. It can only be said that on any list of the best books published in this category in 1974, Battestin's work will have to rank very high. The general theme is the subtle relationship between the idea of Nature and the idea of Art from 1660 to 1760 in English literature. The period in question is crucial in the development of the intellectual roots of the modern temper. Beginning with Pope, traveling through Gay, Fielding, Goldsmith, and finally concluding with Swift, Professor Battestin deftly handles each important individual without ever losing sight of what ties them together. The work, however, is more than just these figures; it is also about the impact of Hobbes, Locke, Newton, and the entire range of scientific and aesthetic issues of the time. For a thoughtful, cultivated discussion of this period in all its aspects, this is a monumental work." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [273]-315).