The Subject of Britain, 1603-25

Description

This book reinterprets early seventeenth-century texts by situating them within the context of Jacobean writing on Britain and Britishness. Central to its argument are ideas about nationhood, identity and community that were occasioned by the accession of a Scottish king to England's throne, contested during the Anglo-Scottish Union debates. -- .

Christopher Ivic is Senior Lecturer in English at Bath Spa University -- .

'... An absorbing and timely book.' Early Modern Literary Studies '... With its scrupulous close readings of an array of literary and political texts, including some that are little-known and others that have rarely been considered in this context, The Subject of Britain sheds powerful new light on what Britishness meant or could mean in the early years of the seventeenth century.' The seventeenth century 'A lively, intelligent work that demonstrates how much more work needs to be done on ideas of Britain and Britishness.' Andrew Hadfield, Journal of British Studies 'Christopher Ivic's monograph is a very readable study and a timely corrective to received critical thinking inherited down the generations (and endlessly recycled) concerning Jacobean succession literature.' Modern Language Review -- .