Henry James, Oscar Wilde and Aesthetic Culture

Discover the intricate interplay of Aestheticism and its response to societal anxieties in "Henry James, Oscar Wilde and Aesthetic Culture" by Michèle Mendelssohn. Published by Edinburgh University Press in 2014, this thought-provoking paperback spans 328 pages and delves into the critical assumptions surrounding nationality, sexuality, identity, influence, originality, and morality during the late 19th century. Mendelssohn expertly unravels how these conflicting energies shaped one of the most vibrant transatlantic cultural movements of the era. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in American and Irish literature, as well as the historical context of Aestheticism. Join Mendelssohn on a captivating journey through the works of Henry James and Oscar Wilde, and explore the dynamic cultural landscape that defined their time.