European literature in the 18th century 18th century in literature

european literature of 18th century refers literature (poetry, drama, satire, , novels) produced in europe during period. 18th century saw development of modern novel literary genre, in fact many candidates first novel in english date period, of daniel defoe s 1719 robinson crusoe best known. subgenres of novel during 18th century epistolary novel, sentimental novel, histories, gothic novel , libertine novel.

18th century europe started in age of enlightenment , gradually moved towards romanticism. in visual arts, period of neoclassicism.

see also:

18th-century french literature
the novel , new psychology in 18th century
list of years in literature: 1800s
literary neoclassicism
english literature: augustan literature, british amatory fiction
german literature: german romanticism, sturm und drang
18th century in poetry

the enlightenment

the 18th century in europe age of enlightenment , literature explored themes of social upheaval, reversals of personal status, political satire, geographical exploration , comparison between supposed natural state of man , supposed civilized state of man. edmund burke, in vindication of natural society (1757), says: fabrick of superstition has in our age , nation received ruder shocks had ever felt before; , through chinks , breaches of our prison, see such glimmerings of light, , feel such refreshing airs of liberty, daily raise our ardor more. research shema leon patrick