Thomas Keymer

Keymer discusses the intricate relationships between literature, politics, and identity through his exploration of 17th to 19th-century English literature. His work sheds light on how narrative forms and the novel shape cultural and national identities. He is particularly interested in print culture and the history of the book, employing these as lenses to interrogate the socio-political contexts of literary works. By focusing on themes like intertextuality and textual editing, Keymer contributes to a deeper understanding of how literature can influence and reflect societal changes. This thematic focus is evident in his notable books, including "Richardson’s "Clarissa" and the Eighteenth-Century Reader", which restores the moral and contextual dimensions of Richardson's novel, and "Poetics of the Pillory: English Literature and Seditious Libel 1660–1830", which explores the interplay between literature and law.\n\nReaders and scholars of British and Irish literature benefit from Keymer's detailed analyses and his ability to link literary works with their broader historical and political landscapes. His approach appeals to those interested in the evolution of narrative forms and the societal roles of literature. As the editor of the Cambridge Edition of the Works & Correspondence of Samuel Richardson, Keymer extends his expertise to editorial practices, enhancing scholarly access to pivotal literary texts. His contributions have earned him recognition as a Fellow of the British Academy and other esteemed institutions. Keymer's role as Director of the Collaborative Program in Book History & Print Culture at the University of Toronto further amplifies his impact on the field, making his work indispensable for understanding the complexities of literary production and reception.