Romanticism, Realism and the Lines of Mimesis

[Romanticism, Realism and the Lines of Mimesis] invites questions about the function of mimesis and linear figuration in other geo-cultural instantiations of Romantic and realist literature beyond the ones that occupy centre stage here. One hopes that Dickson will continue to explore these broader implications in future work, given how insightful and dynamic the present readings are. Every page showcases her keen talents as both a critic and a stylist; under her pen, subject-matter that otherwise might have drifted towards the stodgy (e.g. modernism’s reception of Platonic aesthetics) is crisp and engaging. -- Alexander Sorenson, Binghamton University * Modern Language Review * I know of nothing quite like this bold, innovative and endlessly intriguing way of juxtaposing a range of binaries: concepts, movements and authors. This is a book not to miss. -- Christopher Prendergast, University of Cambridge Mimesis constitutes realism, fantasy Romanticism? Polly Dickson examines how algorithmically entwined and logically unstable mimesis and fantasy actually are. This lucid and erudite investigation of writers from Plato to Wilde discloses a new Hoffmann and a new Balzac, a new Romanticism and a new realism. -- Nicholas Saul, Durham University