Charlotte Smith

by Carrol L. Fry

Series Kinley E. Roby, Northeastern University; Herbert Sussman, Northeastern University; Joseph Bartolomeo, University of Massachusetts; George Economou, University of Oklahoma; Arthur F. Kinney, University of Massachusetts. TWAYNES UNITED STATES AUTHORS, ENGLISH AUTHORS, and WORLD AUTHORS Series present concise critical introductions to great writers and their works. Devoted to critical interpretation and discussion of an authors work, each study takes account of major literary trends and important scholarly contributions and provides new critical insights with an original point of view. An Authors Series volume addresses readers ranging from advanced high school students to university professors. The book suggests to the informed reader new ways of considering a writers work. A reader new to the work under examination will, after reading the Authors Series, be compelled to turn to the originals, bringing to the reading a basic knowledge and fresh critical perspectives. Each volume a critical, interpretive study and explication of the authors works; a brief biography of the author; an accessible chronology outlining the life, work, and relevant historical background of the author; aids for further study -- complete notes and references, a selected annotated bibliography, and an index; and a readable style presented in a manageable length.

170 pages, Hardcover

First published October 18, 1996

Reviews

[Grace Harwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few works of literary criticism that I would read from cover to cover but that is just what I have done with this book. I'm very interested in Charlotte Smith and found Fry's clear elucidation on her life and works very informative. He writes with a really lovely style and light touch in his writing which was just so easy to read. I was particularly interested in the argument that sets out that Smith is a "regional poet". I'm very interested in places in literature and having read Curran's edition of her Elegiac Sonnets, it's really clear to see that she was a product of her home and felt almost exiled and countryless when she could no longer live there. The fact that she moved around so very much and never remained in one place for very long, must have added to the sense of homelessness for her. I do think, as well, that any author who signs her first original work "Charlotte Smith of Bignor Park, Surrey" and places herself in this way is clearly illustrating to her readers that the place she came from was terribly important to her. Whilst I was reading this, I was reading Celestina (Smith's third novel) simultaneously and Fry's explanations and descriptions of the times Smith was living in really helped to contextualise the novel and enhanced my enjoyment of it.

I would really recommend this work - I got so much out of it and the subject matter is fascinating.