LibGuides: Neoclassical &amp; Enlightenment British Literature: Media

Authors & Their Works

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Daniel Defoe (29:15) Daniel Foe was born in Cripplegate, London in 1660; the son of a tallow chandler. His father was a dissenter in religion with strong puritan views. Defoe attended a dissenters' academy in Newington and began working as a journalist; he also became a secret agent for the government. Defoe travelled widely and in his later years successfully published many works of fiction. He died in poverty in 1731.
Dr. Samuel Johnson (28:08) This film examines the life of Samuel Johnson, a man who is better known for what was written about him than his own writings. He was scarred by scrofula, partially deaf and blind in one eye. His greatest work was the first fully comprehensive dictionary of the English language. He was equally famous for his brilliant conversation. The film covers his life and background and is followed by a brief overview of his work.
Jonathan Swift and Gulliver’s Travels (01:31:11) With politics, religion, invention and the monarchy numbering amongst his targets, Jonathan Swift created a masterpiece that is a scathing satire on human nature. Visiting strange nations such as Lilliput and Brobdingnag, the program presents a fascinating study of the man, his life and works and the enduring effect he still has today as one of the world's foremost giants of literature.
William Blake (52:40) Ignored during his lifetime, the artist and poet William Blake is now a literary institution. How did this reversal come about? How did a republican, dissident printer, who was considered insane by his contemporaries, become transformed into an icon? The author Peter Ackroyd, Blake’s latest biographer, is the guide as this program explores late-Georgian London: a world of political ferment and religious dispute, where the winds of revolution were blowing across the sea from America and France and a mad king sat on the English throne. The program examines Blake’s artistic achievement and assesses his continuing appeal.

Performances & Readings

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BBC The Critic (1:49:11) Don Taylor directs the film adaptation of the 18th century classic play by Richard Brinsley Sheridan that takes aim at the pretensions of the theater world. Would-be playwright and critic Mr. Puff invites associates to his view his ridiculous play The Spanish Armada, confident the play was well written. The film stars John Gielgud, Hywel Bennett, and Nigel Hawthorne
The Pilgrim's Progress (01:09:07) John Bunyan’s 1678 novel is one of the most famous Christian allegories even written. It describes one man’s journey from “The City of Destruction” to “Celestial City,” and the many adventures he has along the way. This 1979 adaptation stars Liam Neeson in his first major role.
She Stoops to Conquer (02:20:00) An ambitious stepmother, a pragmatic father, impassioned sweethearts, and starry-eyed suitors are all sent spinning in Oliver Goldsmith’s classic comedy of manners—and errors. Directed by Max Stafford-Clark and recorded at the Theatre Royal Bath, this production of She Stoops to Conquer played to rave reviews. Staged with authentic costumes and sets, the commonly anthologized play makes an excellent introduction to 18th-century theater.