This encyclopedia offers an in-depth exploration of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited, featuring 175 entries that delve into its main characters, cultural and political references, and critical themes. It emphasizes the role of Catholicism, addressing concepts like sin, divine grace, and love. Additionally, it examines the novel's critical reception and film adaptations, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the story. A curated list of recommended readings enhances the reader's experience and knowledge.
Exploring the impact of World War II on Paul Fussell's life and writings, this intellectual biography highlights his contributions to cultural criticism and literature. It emphasizes his unique perspectives on ethics, the human experience, and the role of war in shaping societal views. The book serves as a comprehensive introduction to Fussell's diverse body of work, illustrating his relevance in contemporary discourse and showcasing his critiques of American society alongside his reflections on literature and history.
Wandering Between Two Worlds: The Formative Years of Cao Xueqin 1715-1745 is a biographical account of the first 30 years of the life of the eighteenth-century Chinese novelist who wrote Honglou meng (Dream of the Red Chamber). It covers Cao Xueqin's life from his birth in Nanjing in 1715 to the time when it is roughly estimated he began to seriously write his massive work. The book attempts to provide a brisk but broad overview of the important familial, social, historical, literary, and intellectual influences on Cao and his decision to write Honglou meng. Wandering Between Two Worlds relies upon extensive interviews done with noted mainland Chinese scholars on the novel, such as Zhou Ruchang, Cai Yijiang, Duan Jiangli, Shen Zhijun, Zhang Qingshan, and Sun Yuming, during the author's eight-year stay in China; recent research done by Western scholars on Qing dynasty literature, gender, qing, philosophy, and education; and insights from the burgeoning field of the New Qing history. This is only the second biography of Cao Xueqin's life to appear in English, and the first to examine in detail his early life and to be written by a non-Chinese. It is intended for students of traditional Chinese literature and culture, as well as general readers interested in the novel and features a special foreword written by the distinguished redologist Zhou Ruchang.
