Faith and Doubt - Religion and Secularization in Literature from Wordsworth to Larkin (Hardcover)

Religion and Secularization in Literature is a major new work that touches on issues increasingly pertinent to the world of today.

Pairing great writers from each generation who typify the contrasts and concerns of their age, Professor Brett explores the complex interplay between faith and doubt in English literature since the Enlightenment. Not confining himself to a biographical and historical approach, he deploys his understanding of contemporary philosophy and ideology to throw new light on often-neglected areas.

The thoroughness of treatment, displaying wide reading and considered judgment, is carried out with a light touch. To lucid argumentation is added a clear and elegant style, leading both students and general readers admirably through the discussion.

In such a familiar field of inquiry few startling new facts can be revealed, but sometimes research can provide an original contribution by enabling us to see previously overlooked connections and patterns. This is such a work.