Ugo Foscolo's Tragic Vision in Italy and England (Toronto Italian Studies)

One of the most celebrated Italian writers of the early Romantic period, Ugo Foscolo (1778-1827) was known primarily as a novelist, a poet, and a nationalist. Following the Napoleonic Wars, he lived in self-exile in England during the last decade of his life. There he wrote numerous critical essays and collaborated with Lord Byron and other well-known members of English literary circles.__Ugo Foscolo's Tragic Vision in Italy and England__

One of the most celebrated Italian writers of the early Romantic period, Ugo Foscolo (1778–1827) was known primarily as a novelist, a poet, and a nationalist. Following the Napoleonic Wars, he lived in self-exile in England during the last decade of his life. There he wrote numerous critical essays and collaborated with Lord Byron and other well-known members of English literary circles.

Ugo Foscolo’s Tragic Vision in Italy and England examines an underexplored aspect of Foscolo’s literary career: his tragic plays and critical essays on that genre. Rachel A. Walsh argues that for Foscolo tragedy was more than another genre in which to exercise his literary ambitions. It was the medium for an elaborate life-long process of self-examination and engagement with political and literary conflict. By analysing Foscolo’s tragic struggles on and off the stage, Walsh sheds new light on his career and how it reflects on the important literary and political trends of the time.

One of the most celebrated Italian writers of the early Romantic period, Ugo Foscolo (1778-1827) was known primarily as a novelist, a poet, and a nationalist. Following the Napoleonic Wars, he lived in self-exile in England during the last decade of his life. There he wrote numerous critical essays and collaborated with Lord Byron and other well-known members of English literary circles. 'Ugo Foscolo's tragic vision in Italy and England' examines an underexplored aspect of Foscolo's literary career: his tragic plays and critical essays on that genre. Rachel A. Walsh argues that for Foscolo tragedy was more than another genre in which to exercise his literary ambitions. It was the medium for an elaborate life-long process of self-examination and engagement with political and literary conflict. By analysing Foscolo's tragic struggles on and off the stage, Walsh sheds new light on his career and how it reflects on the important literary and political trends of the time Contents 7 Acknowledgments 9 Chronology of Ugo Foscolo’s Life and Works 13 Introduction: Ugo Foscolo’s Tragic Vision 19 Chapter One. Setting the Stage 28 Chapter Two. Debut, Acclaim, and Instruction 43 Chapter Three. The Rise and Fall of Ajace 65 Chapter Four. Ricciarda in Italy and in England 89 Chapter Five. Curtain Call from Exile 116 Epilogue 130 Appendix. Original Reviews of Ajace 135 Notes 157 Selected Bibliography 209 Index 223