Overview

Toby Benis challenges critical orthodoxy by arguing that Wordsworth rejected the political dogmas of his age. Refusing to ally with either radicals or conservatives after the French Revolution, the poet seizes on vagrants to attack the binary thinking dominating public affairs and to question the value of the Georgian domestic ideal. Drawing on current and historical discussions of homelessness, the study offers a cultural history of vagrancy and explains why Wordsworth chose the homeless to bear his message.

Full Product Details

9780333718872

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Reviews

'...Benis is excellent at describing the social and historical background to Wordsworth's early career, and the book contains some fascinating information...his presentation of contemporary political events remains fascinating and clearly written...the book is a valuable contribution to Wordsworth studies.' - John Hayden Baker, Times Literary Supplement

Author Information

TOBY BENIS is Assistant Professor of English at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, USA.

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