Synopsis
Rationality, objectivity, symmetry: were these really principles urged and exemplified by eighteenth-century English prose? In this persuasive study, Robert W. Uphaus argues that, on the contrary, many of the most important works of the period do not actually lead the reader into a new awareness of just how problematical, how unsusceptible to reason, both the world and our easy assumptions about it are. Uphaus discusses a broad range of writers -- Swift, Defoe, Mandeyville, Richardson, Fielding, Sterne, Johnson, and Godwin -- showing that beneath their variety lies a fundamentally similar challenge, addressed to the critical procedure which assumes that the exercise of reason is a sufficient tool for an understanding the appeal of imaginative literature.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Robert W. Uphaus is associate professor of English at Michigan State University.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth...
Stock Image
The Impossible Observer : Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
University Press of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 17122689-6
Stock Image
The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
U.S.A.: University Press of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Ally Press Center, St. Paul, MN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Book and DJ in VG unmarked condition. 160 pages. Seller Inventory # 1508082Q
Stock Image
The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
University Press of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Colewood Books, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. University Press of Kentucky hardcover w/ DJ, 1979. NES. Book is VG, w/ clean text, binding so tight it seems to have never been read; light wear to head and tail of spine. DJ is VG minus, w/ some edgewear to head and tail of spine panel and light corner wear. Free delivery confirmation. Seller Inventory # SKU1016772
Seller Image
The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in 18th-Century Prose
Published by
University Press of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: The Book Junction, Shippensburg, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: VG. Dust Jacket Condition: VG. DJ: some rubbing & edgewear; small creases/chips at edges & corner; some yellowing. Book: some rubbing & edgewear; small scuffs at corners/edges; some yellowing; previous owner's name inside; overall clean & tight. Seller Inventory # 45387
Stock Image
Impossible Observer Reason and the Reader in 18th-Century Prose
Published by
University Press of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Chequamegon Books, Washburn, WI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good+ in Good dust jacket. Uphaus believes that the presence of indeterminacy in 18th century prose draws a supposedly objective spectator into the text and makes him, willing or not, a participant rather than only an observer. Ex library with the usual markings: pocket at rear, stomp on top edge, tape marks; DJ sticker marks.; Ex College Library; 5 3/4 x 8 3/4 ". Seller Inventory # 93815
Stock Image
The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
University Press of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_440684475
Seller Image
The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Cat's Cradle Books, Archdale, NC, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good in Good+ dust jacket. Dust Jacket Condition: dj. Sound binding. Clean and bright pages. Cloth over boards is edge rubbed. DJ has light shelf wear, foxing, edge rubbing. ; Literary analysis of the work of Swift, Mandeville, Defoe, Fielding, Richardson, Johnson, and Godwin. ; 8.5" tall; 176 pages. Seller Inventory # 5250032
Stock Image
The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
University Press Of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Walden Antiquarian Books, Signal Mtn, TN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 2 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Pages Clean, Binding Tight. Seller Inventory # 203918
Seller Image
The Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Kenneth A. Himber, Lebanon, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Almost Like New. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Priinting. Book is a clean tight unmarked copy. Seller Inventory # ABE-84509670
Stock Image
Impossible Observer: Reason and the Reader in Eighteenth-Century Prose
Published by
University Press of Kentucky, 1979
ISBN 10: 081311389X
ISBN 13: 9780813113890
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Asano Bookshop, Nagoya, AICHI, Japan
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. USED. Hardcover. Book Condition: Good. Dustjacket. Seller Inventory # a13247