The Cambridge Companion to John Ruskin

Draws together leading experts from a wide range of disciplines to analyse the life and work of John Ruskin (1819–1900).

Francis O'Gorman (Edited by)

9781107674240, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 October 2015

316 pages, 13 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.5 kg

'This is a timely and well-crafted work, demonstrating in a persuasive and subtle way how worthwhile it is to revisit and re-evaluate John Ruskin.' Languages and Literature

John Ruskin (1819–1900), one of the leading literary, aesthetic and intellectual figures of the middle and late Victorian period, and a significant influence on writers from Tolstoy to Proust, has established his claim as a major writer of English prose. This collection of essays brings together leading experts from a wide range of disciplines to analyse his ideas in the context of his life and work. Topics include Ruskin's Europe, architecture, technology, autobiography, art, gender, and his rich influence even in the contemporary world. This is the first multi-authored expert collection to assess the totality of Ruskin's achievement and to open up the deep coherence of a troubled but dazzling mind. A chronology and guide to further reading contribute to the usefulness of the volume for students and scholars.

1. Introduction Francis O'Gorman
Part I. Places: 2. Edinburgh-London-Oxford-Coniston Keith Hanley
3. The Alps Emma Sdegno
4. Italy Nicholas Shrimpton
5. France and Belgium Cynthia Gamble
Part II. Topics: 6. Art Lucy Hartley
7. Architecture Geoffrey Tyack
8. Politics and economics Nicholas Shrimpton
9. Nation and class Judith Stoddart
10. Religion Francis O'Gorman
11. Sex and gender Sharon Aronofsky Weltman
12. Technology Alan Davis
Part III. Authorship: 13. Ruskin and Carlyle David R. Sorensen
14. Lecturing and public voice Dinah Birch
15. Diary journals, correspondence, autobiography and private voice Martin Dubois
16. Creativity Clive Wilmer
Part IV. Legacies: 17. Political legacies Stuart Eagles
18. Cultural legacies Marcus Waithe
Guide to further reading.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers [DSK], Literary studies: general [DSB], Literary theory [DSA], Literature: history & criticism [DS]