Exploring the Best Works in 18th Century Literary Criticism
The 18th century was a pivotal period for literary criticism, where scholars, thinkers, and writers began to dissect literature in innovative ways. This era brought forth some of the most influential works that continue to shape modern perspectives. In this article, we’ll rank the Top 10 Best Books on 18th Century Literary Criticism. Each selection highlights the importance of this intellectual period and offers valuable insights into the literature of the time.
Author: Jonathan Hayworth, 18th Century Literary Criticism Specialist
Jonathan Hayworth is a historian and literary critic with over 20 years of experience in analyzing classical and 18th-century literature. His deep passion for uncovering the layers of meaning in texts has made him a respected voice in the field of literary criticism.
10. Vagrant Figures: Law, Literature, and the Origins of the Police by Sal Nicolazzo
⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars | 3 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: This book explores how 18th-century law and literature intersect, particularly in the development of the policing system and its reflection in literary texts. Sal Nicolazzo presents a compelling analysis of marginalized figures in literature and the legal system.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re fascinated by the relationship between society, literature, and law, this book offers a unique perspective that dives into historical and literary analysis.
Fun Fact: The term “vagrant” in this period referred not only to the homeless but also to those who defied societal norms—making them prime subjects in literature.
9. The Palgrave Literary Dictionary of Samuel Taylor Coleridge by Martin Garrett
⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars | 1 rating
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: This comprehensive literary dictionary focuses on one of the most significant figures in 18th-century literature, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Garrett’s work is an invaluable resource for scholars studying Coleridge’s influence on literary criticism.
Why You’ll Love It: Whether you’re a fan of Coleridge or a student of his work, this dictionary is a treasure trove of information, offering insight into his contributions to literary theory.
Fun Fact: Coleridge was not only a poet but also a philosopher, contributing extensively to the development of modern literary criticism.
8. LARGE PRINT BOOKS FICTION: Edgar Allan Poe BEST HALLOWEEN STORIES ILLUSTRATED by Edgar Allan Poe
⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars | 1 rating
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: Though Poe is better known for his contributions to the 19th century, this collection of his stories, now in large print, highlights his literary roots in the 18th-century gothic tradition.
Why You’ll Love It: These classic horror stories in large print are perfect for those who enjoy reading spooky tales with a deep historical background.
Fun Fact: Poe’s work, often associated with the macabre, was inspired by many 18th-century writers who explored the dark and mysterious sides of human nature.
7. Animal Farm by George Orwell
⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars | 1,231 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: While Orwell’s Animal Farm may belong to the 20th century, its political allegory draws heavily on 18th-century themes of revolution, class, and society’s power structures.
Why You’ll Love It: This short novel offers timeless lessons in politics, making it both an engaging read and an insightful reflection on societal dynamics.
Fun Fact: Orwell originally struggled to find a publisher for this now-iconic book, as many feared it was too critical of powerful governments.
6. Don’t Forget to Live: Goethe and the Tradition of Spiritual Exercises by Pierre Hadot
⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars | 17 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: Hadot masterfully brings together literature, philosophy, and spirituality, tracing Goethe’s influence back to the spiritual exercises of the 18th century. This book bridges multiple disciplines, offering a holistic view of Goethe’s literary and philosophical impact.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re interested in philosophy, spirituality, and their intersection with literature, this book will captivate you.
Fun Fact: Goethe was not only a literary giant but also a significant figure in the intellectual movement known as Weimar Classicism.
5. The Last of the Mohicans: The Restored Text (Annotated) by James Fenimore Cooper
⭐ 4.3 out of 5 stars | 54 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: Cooper’s classic adventure novel has been restored and annotated, offering deeper insight into the 18th-century world of colonial America. The annotated version provides commentary that links historical and literary analysis.
Why You’ll Love It: This edition gives readers the full impact of Cooper’s narrative along with helpful notes, bringing the 18th-century context to life.
Fun Fact: The novel was inspired by real events from the French and Indian War, showing the complex relationships between Native Americans and settlers.
4. Thomas Browne: Selected Writings by Kevin Killeen
⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars | 22 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: Browne’s writings are a window into the intellectual mindset of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His essays reflect a keen interest in science, religion, and literature, blending the three in a fascinating way.
Why You’ll Love It: For those interested in early literary criticism, Browne’s essays will offer an intellectually stimulating read.
Fun Fact: Browne was a Renaissance man, whose writings influenced thinkers for centuries, including famous 18th-century philosophers.
3. The Poet and the Publisher by Pat Rogers
⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars | 7 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: This book explores the notorious legal battle between the poet Alexander Pope and publisher Edmund Curll. It’s a thrilling account of how literary criticism, publishing, and legal controversies shaped the literary landscape of the 18th century.
Why You’ll Love It: Rogers offers a gripping story of literary feuds, legal issues, and the evolution of the publishing industry.
Fun Fact: Edmund Curll was known for being a bit of a rogue publisher, often pushing the limits of what was considered appropriate at the time.
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars | 1,949 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: Although published in the 19th century, Brontë’s work draws on the feminist and social critique foundations laid in the 18th century, making it an essential read for understanding literary criticism of that era.
Why You’ll Love It: Jane Eyre is a classic for a reason—its deep emotional narrative and social critiques are still relevant today.
Fun Fact: Brontë originally published Jane Eyre under a male pseudonym, Currer Bell, to ensure her work was taken seriously.
1. Jane Eyre: The Original 1847 Unabridged and Complete Edition by Charlotte Brontë
⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars | 3,230 ratings
Category: 18th Century Literary Criticism
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Why we chose it: This original unabridged version of Jane Eyre is a must-read for literary critics, offering a pure form of Brontë’s narrative as it was intended. It’s a cornerstone in understanding the development of 18th-century criticism.
Why You’ll Love It: Experience Brontë’s masterpiece in its most authentic form, uncut and filled with depth.
Fun Fact: Despite being written in the 19th century, Brontë’s critiques of class, gender, and morality stem from ideas that began to flourish in the 18th century.
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