Transatlantic literary circles and correspondences played a crucial role in shaping 18th and 19th-century literature. Writers, intellectuals, and artists formed networks across the Atlantic, exchanging ideas through salons, letters, and travel.

These connections fostered , literary friendships, and rivalries. The circulation of texts and ideas across borders influenced and led to the development of new genres and forms.

Transatlantic literary salons

  • Literary salons played a significant role in fostering transatlantic connections between writers, intellectuals, and artists in the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Salons served as important cultural and intellectual hubs, facilitating the exchange of ideas, debates, and collaborations across the Atlantic
  • Salons were often hosted by prominent women, who played a crucial role in shaping the literary and cultural landscape of the time

Paris and London salons

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  • Paris was renowned for its vibrant salon culture, with famous salons hosted by figures such as Madame Geoffrin and Madame de Staël
    • These salons attracted leading philosophers, writers, and artists from across Europe and America
    • Discussions ranged from literature and art to politics and social issues
  • London salons, such as those hosted by Elizabeth Montagu and Hester Thrale, were equally influential
    • They provided a platform for writers and intellectuals to network, share their work, and engage in intellectual discourse
    • Many prominent figures of the English literary scene, including Samuel Johnson and James Boswell, were regular attendees

American literary salons

  • American literary salons emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, modeled after their European counterparts
  • Notable American salons included those hosted by Anne Lynch Botta in New York and Margaret Fuller in Boston
    • These salons brought together American writers, artists, and intellectuals, fostering a sense of literary community and cultural exchange
  • American salons played a crucial role in the development of a distinct American literary identity and the promotion of American writers and their works

Salons as cultural hubs

  • Salons functioned as cultural hubs, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines
  • They provided a space for the exchange of ideas, debates, and collaborations, contributing to the cross-pollination of literary and artistic movements
  • Salons helped to break down social and cultural barriers, allowing for greater interaction and influence between writers and intellectuals from different countries and backgrounds
  • The connections and networks formed in salons often led to lasting friendships, collaborations, and literary influences that shaped the transatlantic literary landscape

Transatlantic correspondence networks

  • Letter writing played a crucial role in maintaining and fostering transatlantic literary connections in the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Correspondence networks allowed writers, intellectuals, and artists to share ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate across vast distances
  • These networks were essential in facilitating the circulation of texts, manuscripts, and literary news between Europe and America

Letter writing between authors

  • Authors engaged in extensive letter writing, maintaining regular correspondence with their peers, mentors, and literary friends across the Atlantic
  • Letters served as a means of sharing personal experiences, discussing literary projects, and seeking advice and feedback on their work
  • Notable examples include the , as well as the letters exchanged between Charles Dickens and Washington Irving

Sharing of manuscripts and ideas

  • Correspondence networks facilitated the sharing of manuscripts and ideas between writers on both sides of the Atlantic
  • Authors would often send drafts of their work to their literary friends and colleagues for critique, suggestions, and editing
  • This process of collaboration and feedback helped to shape and refine the literary works that emerged during this period
  • The sharing of manuscripts also contributed to the dissemination of literary styles, themes, and techniques across the Atlantic

Literary friendships and rivalries

  • Transatlantic correspondence fostered both literary friendships and rivalries among writers and intellectuals
  • Close friendships developed through the exchange of letters, with authors sharing their personal lives, struggles, and triumphs with their literary confidants
  • However, correspondence also sometimes led to literary rivalries, as authors competed for recognition, readership, and critical acclaim
  • These friendships and rivalries had a significant impact on the literary landscape, influencing the reception and interpretation of works on both sides of the Atlantic

Influence of travel on literature

  • Travel played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the 18th and 19th centuries, as writers and intellectuals embarked on journeys across the Atlantic
  • The experiences, observations, and cultural exchanges that occurred during these travels had a profound impact on the literature of the time
  • emerged as a popular genre, with authors documenting their journeys and sharing their impressions of foreign lands and cultures

Grand tours of Europe

  • The of Europe became a rite of passage for many young aristocrats and intellectuals in the 18th and early 19th centuries
  • These extended journeys, often lasting several years, took travelers through the cultural and historical centers of Europe, including Italy, France, and Germany
  • Writers and artists who embarked on grand tours were exposed to a wide range of cultural influences, which they incorporated into their literary and artistic works
  • Notable examples include the travels of James Boswell, who documented his grand tour in his book "An Account of Corsica," and the influence of Italian art and architecture on the poetry of Lord Byron

Travelogues and travel writing

  • Travelogues and travel writing became increasingly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, as authors documented their journeys and shared their experiences with a wider audience
  • These works provided vivid descriptions of foreign lands, cultures, and customs, satisfying the curiosity of readers who were eager to learn about the world beyond their own borders
  • Travel writing also served as a means of cultural exchange, as authors shared their observations and insights with readers on both sides of the Atlantic
  • Notable examples include Mary Wollstonecraft's "Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark" and Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America"

Expatriate authors abroad

  • Many writers and intellectuals chose to live abroad for extended periods, immersing themselves in foreign cultures and literary circles
  • These often found inspiration in their new surroundings, incorporating their experiences and observations into their literary works
  • Living abroad also provided opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration with writers and artists from different backgrounds and nationalities
  • Notable examples include Henry James, who spent much of his career living and writing in Europe, and Gertrude Stein, who hosted a famous literary salon in Paris that attracted writers and artists from around the world

Transatlantic publishing industry

  • The transatlantic publishing industry played a crucial role in the circulation of texts and ideas between Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Publishers on both sides of the Atlantic worked to promote and distribute the works of authors from their own countries, as well as those from across the ocean
  • The publishing industry was shaped by a range of factors, including technological advancements, copyright laws, and changing reader preferences

British and American publishers

  • , such as John Murray and Richard Bentley, played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the 18th and 19th centuries
    • They were responsible for publishing the works of many prominent British authors, including Jane Austen, Lord Byron, and Charles Dickens
    • British publishers also worked to promote the works of American authors in the UK, helping to establish their reputations and expand their readership
  • , such as Harper & Brothers and Ticknor and Fields, were equally influential in the development of American literature
    • They played a crucial role in promoting the works of American authors, both at home and abroad
    • American publishers also worked to bring the works of British and European authors to American readers, contributing to the cross-pollination of literary ideas and styles

Serialization of novels

  • The was a common practice in the 18th and 19th centuries, with many works being published in installments in magazines and newspapers
  • Serialization allowed authors to reach a wider audience and generate buzz for their works, as readers eagerly awaited each new installment
  • The practice also had a significant impact on the structure and pacing of novels, as authors had to craft each installment to be engaging and compelling on its own
  • Notable examples of serialized novels include Charles Dickens' "The Pickwick Papers" and Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
  • Copyright laws and piracy issues were major concerns for authors and publishers in the 18th and 19th centuries
  • The lack of international copyright agreements meant that works published in one country could be freely reprinted and distributed in another, without the author's permission or compensation
  • This led to widespread piracy and unauthorized reprinting of works, which had a significant impact on authors' livelihoods and the publishing industry as a whole
  • Efforts to establish international copyright agreements, such as the Berne Convention of 1886, were a direct response to these issues and helped to protect the rights of authors and publishers across borders

Circulation of texts and ideas

  • The circulation of texts and ideas across the Atlantic was a defining feature of the 18th and 19th centuries, shaping the literary landscape and cultural exchange between Europe and America
  • Technological advancements, such as improvements in printing and transportation, facilitated the rapid dissemination of texts and ideas across vast distances

Transatlantic book trade

  • The played a crucial role in the circulation of texts and ideas between Europe and America
  • Booksellers and publishers on both sides of the Atlantic worked to import and export books, magazines, and newspapers, making works from one continent available to readers on the other
  • The book trade was facilitated by improvements in transportation, such as the development of faster sailing ships and the introduction of steamships in the early 19th century
  • The transatlantic book trade also contributed to the cross-pollination of literary styles and genres, as readers and writers were exposed to works from different cultural contexts

Reprinting and abridgments

  • were common practices in the 18th and 19th centuries, as publishers sought to make works available to a wider audience
  • Reprinting involved the unauthorized reproduction of a work, often in a cheaper format or with modifications to suit local tastes and preferences
  • Abridgments were condensed versions of works, often created to make them more accessible or affordable to readers
    • These abridged editions sometimes included editorial changes or omissions that altered the original work
  • While reprinting and abridgments helped to increase the circulation of texts, they also raised concerns about authorial control and the integrity of literary works

Reviews and literary criticism

  • Reviews and played a significant role in shaping the reception and interpretation of literary works in the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Reviews, published in magazines, newspapers, and periodicals, provided readers with critical assessments of new works and helped to establish the reputations of authors
  • Literary criticism, often in the form of essays and treatises, offered more in-depth analyses of literary works, genres, and movements
    • Critics such as Samuel Johnson, William Hazlitt, and Edgar Allan Poe were influential in shaping literary tastes and standards on both sides of the Atlantic
  • The circulation of reviews and literary criticism across the Atlantic contributed to the development of shared literary values and the formation of a transatlantic literary community

Comparative literature studies

  • emerged as a field of inquiry in the 19th century, focusing on the analysis of literary works across national and linguistic boundaries
  • The study of comparative literature was facilitated by the increasing circulation of texts and ideas across the Atlantic, as well as the growing interest in understanding the relationships between different literary traditions

British vs American aesthetics

  • Comparative studies of British and American literature often focused on the differences and similarities between the aesthetic values and traditions of the two nations
  • British literature was often associated with a more formal, refined, and class-conscious aesthetic, reflecting the influence of the aristocracy and the established literary canon
  • American literature, in contrast, was often seen as more democratic, individualistic, and focused on the experiences of common people, reflecting the values of the young nation
  • However, comparative studies also revealed the ways in which British and American literary traditions influenced and borrowed from each other, leading to a complex and dynamic transatlantic literary landscape

National literary identities

  • Comparative literature studies played a crucial role in the formation and articulation of national literary identities in the 18th and 19th centuries
  • The study of a nation's literature was often seen as a means of understanding its unique character, values, and cultural heritage
  • Comparative studies helped to define the distinctive features of American literature, such as its emphasis on nature, , and democratic values, in contrast to European literary traditions
  • At the same time, comparative studies also revealed the ways in which national literary identities were shaped by cross-cultural influences and exchanges, challenging notions of literary purity or isolationism

Transatlantic genres and forms

  • Comparative literature studies also focused on the development and circulation of literary genres and forms across the Atlantic
  • Genres such as the novel, the essay, and the short story evolved in response to transatlantic literary exchanges and influences
  • The novel, in particular, emerged as a dominant literary form in the 18th and 19th centuries, with British and American authors experimenting with new narrative techniques, themes, and styles
  • Comparative studies revealed the ways in which literary forms were adapted and transformed as they crossed the Atlantic, reflecting the unique cultural and social contexts of different nations and regions

Impact of politics on literature

  • Political events and ideologies had a profound impact on the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries, shaping the themes, forms, and reception of literary works on both sides of the Atlantic
  • Writers and intellectuals often used literature as a means of engaging with political issues, critiquing social injustices, and imagining alternative futures

American Revolution and independence

  • The and the founding of the United States had a significant impact on the development of American literature
  • The ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy that inspired the revolution also found expression in the literary works of the time, such as the political pamphlets of Thomas Paine and the poetry of Philip Freneau
  • The emergence of a distinct American literary identity was closely tied to the nation's political independence, as writers sought to create a literature that reflected the values and experiences of the new nation
  • The revolution also had an impact on British literature, as writers such as Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine debated the merits and consequences of American independence

French Revolution and aftermath

  • The French Revolution of 1789 and its aftermath had a profound impact on the literature of the late 18th and early 19th centuries
  • The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that inspired the revolution found expression in the works of writers such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who celebrated the revolutionary spirit and championed social reform
  • The violence and turmoil of the revolution and its aftermath also had a darker influence on literature, as writers such as William Blake and explored themes of tyranny, oppression, and the dangers of unchecked power
  • The French Revolution also had a significant impact on American literature, as writers such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams debated the implications of the revolution for the young American nation

Slavery and abolitionist writings

  • The issue of slavery and the abolitionist movement had a significant impact on the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Abolitionist writers such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and William Lloyd Garrison used literature as a means of exposing the horrors of slavery and advocating for its abolition
  • Slave narratives, such as Douglass' "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," provided powerful firsthand accounts of the experiences of enslaved people and helped to galvanize support for the abolitionist cause
  • The issue of slavery also had a significant impact on British literature, as writers such as William Cowper and Thomas Clarkson denounced the slave trade and called for its abolition
  • The transatlantic nature of the abolitionist movement led to a cross-pollination of ideas and literary forms, as writers on both sides of the Atlantic drew inspiration and support from each other in their fight against slavery

Key Terms to Review (33)

American Publishers: American publishers are companies or individuals involved in the production and distribution of books, magazines, and other written works in the United States. They played a crucial role in shaping literary culture by facilitating the exchange of ideas and texts across the Atlantic, impacting both American and British literature during the 18th and 19th centuries.
American Revolution: The American Revolution was a political upheaval that took place between 1765 and 1783, leading to the thirteen American colonies gaining independence from British rule. This period was marked by the emergence of revolutionary ideas, civil disobedience against oppressive governance, and the establishment of a new nation founded on principles of liberty and democracy. The Revolution had far-reaching implications not only for the United States but also for global movements advocating for freedom and self-determination.
Bloomsbury Group: The Bloomsbury Group was an influential group of English writers, intellectuals, and artists active in the early 20th century, known for their innovative ideas on art, literature, and society. They were notable for challenging the social norms of their time and fostering a spirit of openness and collaboration that crossed traditional boundaries between disciplines. Their connections to transatlantic literary circles and correspondences helped shape modern thought and culture.
British Publishers: British publishers are companies and individuals in the UK that produce and distribute books, journals, and other written materials. They played a crucial role in shaping literary culture by facilitating the circulation of works across transatlantic literary circles and correspondences, connecting writers with readers on both sides of the Atlantic.
British vs American Aesthetics: British vs American aesthetics refers to the differing artistic philosophies, values, and styles that have emerged in British and American literature, art, and culture from the 18th to the 19th century. These differences can be seen in themes, character development, narrative techniques, and social commentary, reflecting the distinct cultural backgrounds and historical contexts of each nation. Understanding these aesthetics helps to highlight the transatlantic literary exchanges and influences between authors across the ocean.
Comparative literature studies: Comparative literature studies is an academic discipline that examines literature across cultural and linguistic boundaries, focusing on the relationships between texts from different traditions and the ways in which they influence each other. This field encourages the analysis of themes, genres, and literary techniques across diverse works, highlighting how various literary traditions interact through translation, adaptation, and shared influences.
Copyright issues: Copyright issues refer to the legal challenges and considerations surrounding the ownership and use of creative works, including literature, art, music, and other intellectual property. These issues became particularly significant in the 18th and 19th centuries as literature flourished, and authors began to seek legal protection for their works in order to prevent unauthorized reproduction and ensure they received proper recognition and compensation.
Correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams: The correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams refers to the extensive exchange of letters between these two founding fathers of the United States, covering various topics such as politics, philosophy, and personal reflections. Their letters reveal not only their political ideologies but also the evolution of their friendship and intellectual partnership over time, reflecting the broader context of transatlantic literary circles and the exchange of ideas during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Cultural exchange: Cultural exchange refers to the sharing and interaction of cultural elements, ideas, values, and practices between different societies or groups. This process can lead to the enrichment of cultures and the emergence of new forms of expression, influenced by the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the interacting parties.
Dialectics: Dialectics is a method of argument or reasoning that involves a dialogue between two or more contradictory ideas or forces, leading to the resolution of their conflict and the emergence of new understanding or synthesis. This process emphasizes change and development through contradiction, suggesting that reality is shaped by conflicting forces rather than static existence. In literary circles, dialectics can reflect the interplay of cultural and intellectual exchanges across transatlantic borders.
Expatriate Authors: Expatriate authors are writers who choose to live outside their native country, often seeking new cultural, political, or artistic environments that influence their work. This movement was particularly significant in the 18th and 19th centuries, as many authors found inspiration and connection through transatlantic literary circles, which allowed for the exchange of ideas and correspondence across oceans.
Frankenstein: Frankenstein is a novel written by Mary Shelley, first published in 1818, that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature through unorthodox scientific experiments. The novel delves into themes of imagination and creativity, as it explores the boundaries of human ambition and the consequences of playing God.
Grand tour: The grand tour was a traditional trip across Europe undertaken by mainly upper-class young men in the 17th and 18th centuries, intended to educate them and refine their social skills. This journey often included stops in cultural centers like Paris, Rome, and Venice, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in art, history, and philosophy, which were crucial for forming transatlantic literary circles and correspondences.
Individualism: Individualism is the principle of valuing and prioritizing the individual over the collective, emphasizing personal autonomy, self-reliance, and unique identity. This concept is woven through various literary movements, encouraging characters and authors to explore their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a reflection of broader societal changes and philosophies.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant technological, economic, and social change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized ones. This shift brought about major advancements in machinery, manufacturing processes, and urbanization, leading to profound changes in society, culture, and literature.
Intertextuality: Intertextuality refers to the relationship between texts and how they influence and reference one another. It emphasizes that no text exists in isolation; instead, each text is shaped by its connections to other works through allusions, quotations, and thematic parallels. This concept is crucial for understanding how literary works respond to, reshape, or critique existing narratives within various literary circles and movements.
Letters of John Keats: The Letters of John Keats are a collection of personal correspondences written by the Romantic poet John Keats to his friends, family, and fellow writers. These letters provide valuable insight into Keats's thoughts on poetry, art, love, and the struggles he faced as a writer, connecting him to the broader transatlantic literary circles of his time and showcasing his relationships with contemporary literary figures.
Literary criticism: Literary criticism is the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literature, examining its themes, structure, and cultural contexts. It encompasses various approaches, such as formalism, historical context, and feminist theory, allowing readers to engage more deeply with texts. This field plays a vital role in shaping how literature is understood and appreciated across different periods, including those influenced by major literary movements.
Literary influence: Literary influence refers to the impact that one writer, text, or literary movement has on another, shaping styles, themes, and ideas across different works. This dynamic exchange occurs through various channels such as direct imitation, critical discourse, and the sharing of cultural contexts. The interconnectedness of authors and their works across geographical boundaries is pivotal in understanding how literature evolves over time.
Mary Shelley: Mary Shelley was an English novelist best known for her groundbreaking work 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,' published in 1818. Her writing embodies the intersection of the Gothic and Romantic movements, exploring themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of scientific exploration, which reflects broader societal concerns of her time.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer, best known for his works exploring themes of morality, sin, and human nature, particularly in the context of Puritan New England. His literary contributions were shaped by his engagement with transatlantic literary circles and the influence of European Romanticism, which enriched his storytelling and thematic depth.
National literary identities: National literary identities refer to the distinct characteristics and themes that define a nation's literature, reflecting its culture, history, values, and social issues. These identities emerge through the works of authors who engage with national narratives, often influenced by transatlantic literary circles and correspondences that foster exchanges of ideas and styles across borders.
Nature vs. civilization: Nature vs. civilization refers to the conflict and contrast between the natural world and human society, often highlighting the tension between instinctual, primal forces and structured, socially constructed environments. This theme explores how individuals grapple with their natural instincts in the face of societal expectations and moral frameworks, leading to a deeper examination of what it means to be human. It is a recurring motif that can be seen in various literary movements, questioning the relationship between humanity and the natural world versus societal progress.
Reprinting and Abridgments: Reprinting refers to the process of producing new copies of a work that has already been published, while abridgments are shortened versions of literary texts that retain the main ideas and themes. This practice became increasingly important during the 18th and 19th centuries as texts were shared across transatlantic literary circles, making literature more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. The act of reprinting often led to the alteration of original works through abridgment, reflecting changing tastes and societal values of the time.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature. It arose as a response to the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the constraints of Neoclassicism, celebrating personal experience and imagination as key components of creativity.
Serialization of novels: Serialization of novels refers to the practice of publishing a single novel in installments, often through periodicals or magazines, rather than as a complete work. This method allowed authors to reach a broader audience and engage readers over time, fostering anticipation and discussion about each installment. The serialization format was particularly prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, impacting literary communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Slavery and abolitionist writings: Slavery and abolitionist writings refer to the literary works and discourses that emerged in response to the institution of slavery, advocating for its end and highlighting the moral, social, and economic implications of enslaving individuals. These writings played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, raising awareness about the brutality of slavery, and inspiring movements aimed at its abolition, particularly across transatlantic literary circles where intellectual exchange flourished.
The fireside poets: The fireside poets were a group of 19th-century American poets known for their popular and accessible poetry, which often focused on themes of nature, family, and morality. They were called 'fireside' because their work was commonly read aloud by families gathered around the hearth, creating a sense of community and shared values.
The Scarlet Letter: The Scarlet Letter is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne published in 1850 that tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman in Puritan New England who bears an illegitimate child and is forced to wear a scarlet 'A' as a symbol of her shame. This work delves into themes of sin, guilt, and societal judgment, and is significant for its exploration of individual morality versus communal values.
Transatlantic book trade: The transatlantic book trade refers to the exchange of books and literary materials between Europe and the Americas during the 18th and 19th centuries. This trade not only facilitated the distribution of literature across the Atlantic but also contributed to the development of literary cultures on both sides, fostering connections among writers, publishers, and readers. The movement of texts helped shape the intellectual landscape and informed various literary movements in different regions.
Transatlantic genres and forms: Transatlantic genres and forms refer to the literary styles and structures that emerged and evolved in both Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries, often influenced by cross-continental exchanges of ideas, themes, and narratives. This interconnectedness fostered unique literary movements that reflected the complexities of cultural identity, colonialism, and transnational dialogues between authors and their audiences across the Atlantic Ocean.
Transcendentalism: Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century in America, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the importance of individual intuition and spirituality. This movement sought to transcend the limitations of the material world through a deep connection with nature and a belief in the power of self-reliance and individualism.
Travel writing: Travel writing is a literary genre that encompasses the documentation and reflection on a writer's journeys to different places, sharing experiences, observations, and insights about cultures, landscapes, and people. This genre often combines elements of personal narrative with descriptive imagery and can serve both as entertainment and as a means of informing readers about distant lands and cultures.
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