Conrad and Impressionism

In this book, John Peters investigates the impact of Impressionism on Conrad and links this to his literary techniques as well as his philosophical and political views. Impressionism, Peters argues, enabled Conrad to encompass both surface and depth not only in visually perceived phenomena but also in his narratives and objects of consciousness, be they physical objects, human subjects, events or ideas. Though traditionally thought of as a sceptical writer, Peters claims that through Impressionism Conrad developed a coherent and mostly traditional view of ethical and political principles, a claim he supports through reference to a broad range of Conrad’s texts. Conrad and Impressionism investigates the sources and implications of Conrad’s impressionism in order to argue for a consistent link between his literary technique, philosophical presuppositions and socio-political views. The same core ideas concerning the nature of human experience run throughout his works.

• This book offers an interesting definition of Impressionism based in philosophy rather than in the visual arts • Peters offers insights into Conrad’s own Impressionism, and challenges some of the shortcomings of previous commentaries • May be of additional interest to art historians and philosophers

Preface; Acknowledgments; List of abbreviations; Introduction: objects of consciousness in Conrad’s impressionist world; 1. Subject/object: science and the epistemological origins of literary impressionism; 2. Objects and events in the ‘primitive eye’: the epistemology of objectivity; 3. Other-like-self and other-unlike-self: the epistemology of subjectivity; 4. ‘Sudden holes’ in time: the epistemology of temporality; 5. Radical relativism, epistemological certainty and ethical absolutes: Conrad’s impressionist response to solopsism and anarchy; Epilogue; Notes; Selected bibliography; Index.

Finalist book for the best book on Conrad\'s life Adam Gillon Book Award 2005 - Short-listed

\'Conrad and Impressionism is packed with intelligent ad hoc insights into Conrad\'s writing through a close examination of the techniques that characterize his narratives.\' Modern Language Review

‘This critical study deserves special attention.’ Choice ( selected as one of Choice magazine’s outstanding Academic Titles for 2001)

‘An erudite enquiry into vital aspects of Conrad’s art, an ambitiously synthesized survey of aesthetics, philosophy, and politics based on a profound knowledge of Conrad’s work and the bosy of critical work it supports.’ Joseph Conrad Today

‘… [Peters\'] instructive and illuminating book, Conrad and Impressionism … is an award-winning book and deservedly so … Peters posits an ‘impressionist’ Conrad whose sensitive and self-critical philosophy informs the world he ‘makes you see’; Jameson posits an ‘impressionist Conrad whose visual pyrotechnics exist as a blinding compensation for the world he does not want to see. It is the greatest compliment one may pay to Peters to say that the future of Conrad studies may lie in the balance.’ Modernism/Modernity

‘Conrad and Impressionism is a first-rate study …’ Journal of Modern Literature

\'Peters is … admirably clear and systematic, and he writes interestingly about a large number of Conrad\'s novels and stories.’ South Atlantic Review

\'Conrad and Impressionism, a systematic and thorough study of the relationship between seeing and knowing in Conrad\'s work, perpetuates this tradition of excellence. … Conrad and Impressionism is remarkable for its carefully composed logical structure and the precision of its arguments … John G. Peters has made a valuable contribution to Conrad studies, one upon which future scholars can build with assurance.\' The Conradian