Excess and the Mean in Early Modern English Literature

"Excess and the Mean in Early Modern English Literature," published by Princeton University Press in 2002, is a compelling exploration of how English writers from the Elizabethan era to the Restoration redefined the ancient concept of the virtuous mean. Spanning 376 pages, this insightful volume delves into the innovative and often contentious ways in which these authors engaged with the classical ideas of means and extremes, offering fresh perspectives that have largely been overlooked by scholars. This book is essential for anyone interested in the evolution of English literature and the philosophical debates that shaped it during a transformative period. Discover how the interplay of excess and moderation influenced literary works and the cultural landscape of early modern England.