Thomas Love Peacock Bücher

Featuring three notable novels, this collection showcases Thomas Love Peacock's satirical style, characterized by characters engaging in philosophical discussions. The works included are "Headlong Hall," "Nightmare Abbey," and "Crotchet Castle," reflecting Peacock's wit and social commentary. A contemporary of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Peacock's influence on literature is significant. This edition also offers introductory essays by Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia Woolf, enhancing its value for both enthusiasts and scholars. It's a must-have for those appreciating classic literature.

Nightmare Abbey is a novella by Thomas Love Peacock, first published in 1818, widely considered to be Peacock’s most enduringly popular work. The narrative centres on Christopher Glowry, a miserly widower, his son Scythrop and a host of dismal-sounding servants in his family pile, Nightmare Abbey. Recovering from an ill-fated love affair, Scythrop dreams up various schemes to reform and regenerate the human species, but misanthropy lurks around every corner, and everything changes when a mermaid is spotted and a strange woman appears in his chamber. Although fundamentally a Gothic novel, and rich in allusion – from Pope to Dante, Rossini to Mozart – Nightmare Abbey is, at heart, a satire, as Peacock makes clear in the preface to a later edition, in which he describes the characters – allusions to his friends – as ‘status-quo-ites’, ‘morbid visionaries’, ‘romantic enthusiasts’ and ‘lovers of good dinners’. 'Every quarter century, like clockwork, there is a Peacock revival.' — Gore Vidal 'Great mental powers on display in such lightly told tales.' — Christopher Hawtree, The Guardian

Set in the Victorian era, this satirical novel explores societal norms and intellectual pretensions through a cast of eccentric characters at Headlong Hall. With sharp wit and humor, the author critiques the absurdities of human behavior and the Romanticism movement's intellectuals. Engaging in philosophical conversations, the characters navigate comedic situations that reveal the complexities of their society. This timeless masterpiece blends humor with insightful social commentary, showcasing the author's talent for dissecting the intricacies of Victorian life.

These two novels contain characters who are either representative types, or thinly veiled caricatures of Peacock's contemporaries, who gather in country houses to eat, drink and discuss. These tales poke fun at contemporary attitudes and ideas, such as the Romantic literary movement.

Renowned for its exceptional humor, this work showcases the brilliance of its comedic elements, establishing the author as a master of wit. The narrative is filled with clever observations and entertaining scenarios that highlight the absurdities of life. Celebrated since its release, it continues to resonate with readers, offering both laughter and insight into human nature. Its lasting impact on the genre cements its status as a classic in comedic literature.

The book is a reproduction of a historical work, presented in large print to enhance accessibility for individuals with impaired vision. Published by Megali, a house dedicated to making historical texts more readable, it aims to preserve the original content while ensuring it is accessible to a wider audience.

Set in the early 19th century, the story revolves around a group of romantic and melancholic characters who gather at an eerie estate. The protagonist, a young poet, becomes entangled with the eccentric inhabitants, including a cynical philosopher and a mysterious lady. Themes of despair, unrequited love, and the supernatural permeate the narrative, reflecting the Gothic tradition. The novel satirizes the romantic ideals of the time while exploring the complexities of emotion and the human condition.