Making a Difference: Volume I and II

This book offers a fresh perspective on William Wordsworth, moving beyond the standard Romantic poetry analysis to explore how his work engaged with contemporary debates about language and literary hierarchy. It examines the full scope of his career, including often-overlooked later poems, and situates his writing within the context of how popular and serious literature were defined and distinguished during his era. Readers will discover how Wordsworth actively incorporated concepts of language difference into his poetic practice, revealing new dimensions of his contribution to literary development.

What makes this survey particularly valuable is its broad-ranging approach that redefines the variety within Wordsworth's writing, comparing his regional connections and challenging conventional readings. Literature students and poetry enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding beyond the standard lyrical ballads will find this analysis illuminating, as it connects Wordsworth's techniques to larger cultural conversations about language and value. This volume ultimately reframes Wordsworth not just as a central Romantic figure, but as a writer actively negotiating the literary boundaries of his time.