Thresholds of Interpretation

Paratexts turn a text into a book: they are those (textual and non-textual) thresholds the reader comes across when entering the literary world. The preface, dedications, quotations (or motti), cover illustrations, blurbs and of course the ever-present titles are among the most well-known ones. This thesis is of particular interest to all students and admirers of 18th-century English literature: the titles, motti, dedications and prefaces employed by the authors to present their work most favourably to the public not only provide a profound insight into a highly interesting literary field of study, but also give an idea of what the literary landscape was like in a century bustling with new ideas and (literary and other) activity.