Race and Identity in D. H. Lawrence is a wide-ranging examination of Lawrence's adoption and adaptation of stereotypes about minorities, with a focus on three particular 'racial' groups. This book explores societal attitudes in England, Europe, and the United States and Lawrence's utilization of cultural norms to explore his own identity.
'Judith Ruderman's book is a rare case of a cultural-historical approach informed by a subtle literary critical intelligence and a deep appreciation of Lawrence's art. She recognises the inconsistencies in his representations of Jews, Native Americans and Gypsies and, without whitewashing him, doesn't try to pin him down as a racist. She explores the inconsistencies as marks of a writer of his time trying to come to terms with an intense susceptibility to difference. In particular, she illuminates the way in which Lawrence's own position as an outsider drew him to identify even with groups against which he held prejudices.' Neil Roberts, University of Sheffield, UK