Victorian Afterlives

`This book is one of the most impressive critical analyses of nineteenth-century literary culture that I have read in a long time. A closely written and argued discussion of theories of literary influence in a nineteenth-century context, it ranges widely and makes always interesting and sometimes brilliant connections ... This is a major work of Victorian literary criticism, and a book to be read over and over again for its myriad insights and felicities.' Tennyson Research Bulletin `Close readings unravel the manner in which 'dead' voices haunt Tennyson's poetry, and the author is uncommonly sharp-eared for nuance.' Scotland on Sunday `Ambitious, delightful, frustrating, wide-ranging, often beautifully written ... Its sheer range sets it apart from the usual academic monograph ... refreshingly free of jargon.' Angela Leighton, Times Literary Supplement `One of the enjoyable features of Douglas-Fairhurst's writing is its commitment to close reading. He can make a word or line come alive by a turn of phrase which resonantly prolongs its momentum.' Angela Leighton, Times Literary Supplement `'Douglas-Fairhurst's excellent ear for the influential voices in the Victorian air is . . extraordinarily impressive in its demonstration of an ambitiously capacious conception of influence . . . the range of reference and allusion in the book is dizzying, . . . and the evocation of these echoing voices provides an extraordinary resonance to his discussions, especially, of Dickens' Great Expectation, Tennyson's "sympathy", and Edward FitzGerald's nostalgic savouring of the afterlives of friends and texts in memory.'' Victorian Poetry