Philosophical Incursions into English Literature

Originally published in 1946, this book examines the works of eleven different English authors through a philosophical lens. Laird, who spent the war re-reading English literature, reveals the underlying philosophy of several English classics, including several Shakespearian plays, Robinson Crusoe and Thomas Hardy's The Dynasts. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the philosophical analysis of literature.

Preface; 1. Shakespeare on the wars of England; 2. Robinson Crusoe's philosophy; 3. Pope's Essay on Man; 4. Concerning Dr Isaac Watts; 5. Shandean philosophy; 6. Wordsworth and 'natural piety'; 7. Shelley's metaphysics; 8. Philosophy in the works of Dickens; 9. Some facets in Browning's poetry; 10. Hardy's The Dynasts; 11. Robert Bridges and The Testament of Beauty.