The Savage in Literature: Representations of 'primitive' society in English fiction 1858-1920

Description

First published in 1975, this study is concerned with the representation of non-European people in English popular fiction in the period from 1858-1920. It examines the developments in thinking about people across the world and shows how they affected writers’ views of evolution, race, heredity and of the life of the so-called ‘primitive’ man. This book will be of interest to those studying 19th century literature. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Original Title Original Copyright Dedication Contents Preface and acknowledgments 1 Literary themes and anthropological writings Background The image 2 The English abroad 3 Evolution and race in popular literature: classification, scientific and fictitious Introduction Classification Criteria for classification 4 Evolution and race in popular literature: hierarchy and racial theory Racial theory in literature 5 Heredity and environment The terrestrial paradise - primitivism versus progress 6 'Primitive' politics in popular literature 7 'Primitive' religion in popular literature Notes Bibliography Index