Romance and Revolution

The book explores the intersection of romance literature and the French Revolution's impact on English Romanticism, addressing the paradox of how these opposing forces converged. David Duff analyzes the evolution of the romance genre, highlighting its politicization during this period. He examines various sources, including the chivalric revival and the pamphlet wars of the 1790s, culminating in a focus on Shelley's revolutionary works, "Queen Mab" and "Laon and Cythna," which reveal the intricate politics embedded within romance narratives.