This volume develops a revisionist history of English poetry, and specifically the meditative long poem, from Milton to early Romanticism. It approaches the reading and writing of poetry as spiritual practice and a way of experiencing the future here and now. Stewart offers extended interpretations of both major and minor poems, placing them in fresh historical, theoretical, and theological contexts. Additionally, he contributes to ongoing debates about the role of religion in the Enlightenment.
Read a Columbia News interview with Professor Stewart about Futures of Enlightenment Poetry.