Englishness Revisited Contemporary Literary Representations of English National and Cultural Identity

"Englishness Revisited: Contemporary Literary Representations of English National and Cultural Identity" offers an in-depth exploration into British literature from the late 20th century, examining how it reflects and shapes debates about English national and cultural identity. The book scrutinizes the works of noted authors like Peter Ackroyd, Julian Barnes, and Adam Thorpe, and places them within the broader discourse on narrative’s role in shaping collective identities. Drawing on cultural poetics, postmodern history, and narratology, the analysis delves into how literature intertwines with historical and traditional elements to influence cultural and national identity.This publication stands out as a significant contribution to the study of British national identity, due to its focused examination of the contributions by Ackroyd, Barnes, and Thorpe. The methodological framework adopted allows the book to transcend the specific temporal and cultural confines of its primary subject matter, offering insights that resonate universally. According to Prof. Dr. Krystyna Kujawińska-Courtney, no other work, either in Poland or internationally, treats this complex topic with such thoroughness, making it an indispensable resource for understanding the dynamic tapestry of Englishness.