Description: The first essay collection devoted to Thomas Holcroft's life and work, this volume is a reassessment of his contributions to a remarkable range of literary genres-drama, poetry, fiction, autobiography and political philosophy. The contributors situate Holcroft's self-fashioning as a member of London's literati, his central role among the London radical reformers and intelligentsia, and his theatrical innovations within on-going explorations of the late eighteenth-century public sphere of letters and debate.
Review Quotes: 'Re-Viewing Thomas Holcroft is a valuable contribution to the study of literature of the 1790s... the organization of the collection is thoughtful and provocative, suggesting connections - between genres or between Holcroft's work and his life - that might otherwise pass unnoticed. The essays are excellent; they provide readers with a model for thinking not only about Holcroft's work but also about other writers who, like Holcroft, may not receive adequate critical attention.' Restoration and Eighteenth Century Theatre Research 'This strong collection of essays, which displays great range and sensitivity, is a key text in Holcroft studies. It will appeal to any scholar of labouring class writing; political philosophy of the 1790s; the Georgian theatre; life-writing; the novel; and poetry of the long eighteenth century.' Review of English Studies '... this is a long overdue and very welcome contribution to eighteenth-century studies.' Modern Language Review