Although nearly forgotten today, Louise von François (1817-1893) enjoyed until the collapse of the Weimar Republic a reputation as one of Germany's outstanding women writers. Her life and work provide a fruitful testing ground for current feminist methodologies and theories. This study examines François's literary career as an example of the "anxiety of authorship," presents a reading of François's finest novel, Die letzte Reckenburgerin (1870), and traces the reception of that novel.
"I recommend Fox's book as an introduction to Louise von François and 'Die letzte Reckenburgerin'. His analysis reflects knowledge of the relevant historical context. It is thoughtful, well organized, and gracefully written, and includes a carefully done index." (Jeanette Clausen, Monatshefte)
"Thomas C. Fox is to be recommended for focusing on a fine example of the historical novel form. ... (His) interpretation is original and thought-provoking. ...in many respects a pioneering study... I recommend this book as a valuable introduction not only to François but to the problems confronting German women writing in the nineteenth century." (Linda Kraus Worley, German Studies Review)
"Fox' concise and well written study represents a substantial and important contribution to the field of 19th century women's literature. Fox aims to provide a 'feminist reading', i.e. an analysis of both Louise von François' biography and literary development, as well as her major work 'Die letzteReckenburgerin' (1871), within the gynocritic tradition of feminist research and he suceeds superbly in both. ... Fox' study thus presents us not only with the long overdue revision of an important novel, but also enables us to reassess Louise von François' struggles and achievements as well as her position in the literary history of German women writers." (Monika Shafi, Colloquia Germanica)
"Thomas C. Fox is to be recommended for focusing on a fine example of the historical novel form. ... (His) interpretation is original and thought-provoking. ...in many respects a pioneering study... I recommend this book as a valuable introduction not only to François but to the problems confronting German women writing in the nineteenth century." (Linda Kraus Worley, German Studies Review)
"Fox' concise and well written study represents a substantial and important contribution to the field of 19th century women's literature. Fox aims to provide a 'feminist reading', i.e. an analysis of both Louise von François' biography and literary development, as well as her major work 'Die letzteReckenburgerin' (1871), within the gynocritic tradition of feminist research and he suceeds superbly in both. ... Fox' study thus presents us not only with the long overdue revision of an important novel, but also enables us to reassess Louise von François' struggles and achievements as well as her position in the literary history of German women writers." (Monika Shafi, Colloquia Germanica)