Best 17th Century Literary Criticism Books of 2025

Involuntary Confessions of the Flesh in Early Modern France is a unique and interdisciplinary study that explores the slips of the flesh or involuntary confessions that are present in many early modern texts. This book pairs major French literary works of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries with cultural documents, emphasizing the shared struggle of many different early modern conversations to come to terms with the body's volatility. The book argues that instability itself provides the tools to navigate and understand the complexity of the early modern world. Overall, this book is a fascinating exploration of the tenuous relationship between the body and the self in early modern France.

What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles Solved by John Mullan is a delightful guidebook for Austen lovers. Mullan explores the intriguing quirks and intricacies of Austen's fiction by answering specific questions about her novels. In twenty short chapters, he illuminates the themes that matter most in Austen's beloved fiction, revealing her technical virtuosity and daring as a novelist. Mullan uses telling passages from Austen's letters and details from her own life to explain episodes in her novels. This intimate guide to the world of Austen's books is a box of 20 literary chocolates for Austen fans to savor.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a timeless piece of literature that chronicles the story of a man named Christian who sets out on a lifelong quest to find the Celestial City. Written as a powerful allegory of the Christian life, this collector's edition includes the original text written by John Bunyan, parts 1 and 2 in a single volume, and the original illustrations by Frederick Barnard. As readers walk with Christian along his often hazardous pilgrimage, they will meet fascinating characters who either help or hinder his journey along the narrow way. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and encouragement to persevere in their walk of faith.

Don't Read Poetry by Stephanie Burt is an excellent guide to the world of poetry. It dispels the common notion that poetry is difficult to read and understand. Burt explains how poems connect with one another and how they can relate to our everyday lives. The author moves from classic poetry to contemporary poetry on social media platforms with ease. Don't Read Poetry is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the world of poetry, from beginners to experts. Overall, this book is a delightful and charming companion for poetry lovers.

Staging Habla de Negros by Nicholas R. Jones is a groundbreaking study of white appropriations of black African voices in Spanish theater during the 1500s to the 1700s. Jones challenges the belief that these appropriations are racist stereotyping and instead shows how black characters resisted white supremacy through laughter, song, and shouting. Jones places early modern Iberia in conversation with African diaspora studies and reveals the complexities of black Africans and their descendants who built communities in early modern Spain. This book is a must-read for those interested in identity building, performance, and race.

Beyond The Horizon: (Book 1) is a thrilling YA fantasy novel that follows Emery, a young elemist who must make a difficult decision in the face of a devastating illness that threatens her community. When an outsider arrives with an offer of help, Emery is faced with the choice of risking everything to save her people or staying on the island and hoping for the best. The story is filled with adventure, magic, and a slow-burn romance that leaves readers wanting more. Beyond The Horizon is a unique blend of Moana, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Avatar: The Last Airbender that is sure to captivate readers from start to finish.

The Bible in Shakespeare is a much-needed critical study that explores Shakespeare's use of biblical allusions and references in his plays. The book provides insight into the post-Reformation explosion of Bible translation, the development of English biblical culture, and Shakespeare's allusive practice. Hannibal Hamlin's writing is clear and accessible, making the book enjoyable for both the academic and general reader. This interdisciplinary work will interest scholars in Shakespeare and English literature, allusion and intertextuality, theater studies, history, religious culture, and biblical interpretation. Overall, The Bible in Shakespeare is a significant contribution to the field and sheds light on the deep engagement between early modern England and the interpreted Bible.

Crowning Glories explores the intersection of French art, Northern realism, and empiricism during Louis XIV's reign. The author, Harriet Stone, analyzes the impact of Netherlandish art on French court society and its challenge to the monarchy's hold on the French imagination. Stone's thorough examination of the monarchy's palace decor, official records, and classical theatre alongside Northern images of daily life provides an insightful look into cultural life under the Sun King. This work is a rich and perceptive analysis of artistic works, and its thought-provoking parallels and contrasts make it a notable addition to art history books.

The Oxford Handbook of Cervantes provides a comprehensive overview of the life, works, and influences of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the author of Don Quixote de la Mancha. The book explores his other prose works, poetry, theatrical output, sources, contemporaries, and reception of his works over the last four hundred years. Written by Cervantistas from various countries, this volume offers the most up-to-date research and interpretations. Aaron M. Kahn, the book's editor, has done an excellent job of compiling a detailed compendium of the writer's life and works, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Cervantes and the literary world of the Early-Modern era.

The African American History Coloring Book is an excellent choice for children's coloring books. This book contains 65 high-quality illustrations of the most famous black women in history and today, including Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Maya Angelou. Each illustration has a brief, easy-to-understand description to encourage learning and ignite curiosity about these inspiring women. The book is perfect for Black History Month and serves as a wonderful non-screen activity for relaxation and stress relief. This book is a must-have for any child who wants to learn more about black history and the incredible women who shaped it.