XIILiterature 1780–1830: The Romantic Period.

This comprehensive review focuses on recent scholarship in British Romantic literature and culture, covering general prose, the novel, and drama from the late eighteenth to early nineteenth centuries. It highlights innovative interdisciplinary studies that revisit neglected periods such as the 1820s, explore transnational and ecological dimensions of Romanticism, and examine key figures including Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, Frances Burney, and Walter Scott. The novel section emphasizes nuanced readings of Austen’s works, addressing themes of morality, social context, and literary form, while also engaging with lesser-studied authors like Maria Edgeworth and Susan Ferrier. The drama section underscores growing interest in performance studies, regional and global theatrical practices, and the role of celebrity and actors in shaping Romantic drama, alongside calls for more accessible editions of women playwrights’ works. Together, these studies contribute to a richer, more inclusive understanding of Romanticism’s literary and cultural landscapes.