Conrad and Impressionism

by John G. Peters

Overview

John Peters investigates the impact of Impressionism on Conrad and links this to his literary techniques as well as his philosophical and political views. Impressionism, Peters argues, enabled Conrad to encompass both surface and depth not only in visually perceived phenomena but also in his narratives and objects of consciousness, be they physical objects, human subjects, events or ideas. Conrad and Impressionism investigates the sources and implications of Conrad's impressionism in order to argue for a consistent link among his literary technique, philosophical presuppositions and socio-political views.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521033008
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/18/2007
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.63(d)
Lexile:	1400L (what's this?)

About the Author

John G. Peters is Assistant Professor of English as University of Wisconsin-Superior. He won the Joseph Conrad Society of America's Young Scholar's Award for 1999. This is his first book.

Table of Contents

Preface; Acknowledgments; List of abbreviations; Introduction: objects of consciousness in Conrad's impressionist world; 1. Subject/object: science and the epistemological origins of literary impressionism; 2. Objects and events in the 'primitive eye': the epistemology of objectivity; 3. Other-like-self and other-unlike-self: the epistemology of subjectivity; 4. 'Sudden holes' in time: the epistemology of temporality; 5. Radical relativism, epistemological certainty and ethical absolutes: Conrad's impressionist response to solopsism and anarchy; Epilogue; Notes; Selected bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Peters's exploration of Conrad's unique impressionism...has changed the way I consider some key passages in Conrad's work. Peters is also admirably clear and systematic, and he writes interestingly about a large number of Conrad's novels and stories. The coverage of this slim volume is impressive and, overall, Conrad and Impressionism is worth a look for those interested in Conrad's philosophy."
Richard Ruppel, Viterbo University, South Atlantic Review

"John Peters's book increases the range of recent studies exploring the impact of nineteenth- and twentieth-century philosophy on Conrad's writing."
Conradiana

"Peters writes lucidly and concisely. He presents the case systematically, and provides a wealth of illustrative examples from Conrad. A newcomer to the topic...would find this succinct book readably informative."
Studies in the Novel

"An erudite inquiry into vital aspects of Conrad's art, an ambitiously synthesized survey of aesthetics, philosophy and politics based on a profound knowledge of Conrad's work..."
Joseph Conrad Today

"Copious references to contemporary literary scholarship and an impressive bibliography constitute a guide to the trail here laid down. Traversing it is not for the philosophically challenged, but it leads to the heart of a major literary career."
Choice

"...a stimulating book...one might expect to hear gasps of surprise and wonder even from the most disciplined and wizened investigator."
English Literature in Transition 1880-1920

"An ambitious book...packed with intelligent ad hoc insights into Conrad's writing through a close examination of the techniques that characterize his narratives."
Modern Language Review

"Peters's book [...] marshals various perspectives on Conrad's work, philosophy, and sociopolitical outlook under the unifying rubric of literary impressionism. His arguments are hard to refute, and his evidence abundant."
Modern Fiction Studies

"An extremely valuable study to modernist and Conrad scholars with a philosophical orientation [...] A first-rate sutdy."
Journal of Modern Literature

"It would be valuable to graduate students interested in connections between literary and visual arts."
Holden

"Conrad and Impressionism is remarkable for its carefully composed logical structure and the precision of its arguments as well as for the well chosen definitions and examples which render the complex philosophical and ethical concerns of Conrad. John G. Peters has made a valuable contribution to Conrad studies, one upon which future scholars can build with assurance."
The Conradian

From the Publisher