The Voice of Science in Nineteenth-Century Literature

This volume gathers a carefully chosen mix of prose and poetry that illustrates how nineteenth‑century literature responded to the era’s scientific breakthroughs. The selections range from philosophical essays on liberty and government to lyrical meditations on humanity’s place in a rapidly expanding universe, letting listeners hear the dialogue between emerging scientific ideas and the artistic imagination of the time.

Designed originally for a sophomore English‑History course, the anthology encourages listeners to trace the shifting attitudes of writers such as Emerson, Whitman, Carlyle, and others as they grapple with evolution, religion, and social change. By juxtaposing American and British voices, the collection highlights the rich contrasts and unexpected resonances that shaped the intellectual climate of the age, offering a thought‑provoking listening experience for anyone interested in the crossroads of science and literature.