18世紀の終わりから19世紀初めにかけて西ヨーロッパに広がった、文学や芸術における革新的思潮、ロマン主義。その影響は、文学、音楽、絵画、宗教、哲学などさまざまな分野に及びました。本書では数々の引用や例を用いながら、ロマン主義の多様性を探ります。
  

• Explores the definition of the word 'Romantic' and considers its origins
• Unravels a complex and confusing subject to help the reader understand the various meanings of Romanticism
• Covers a wide range of artistic forms including Romantic literature, music, painting, religion, and philosophy in several European countries

  
What is Romanticism? In this Very Short Introduction Michael Ferber answers this by considering who the romantics were and looks at what they had in common — their ideas, beliefs, commitments, and tastes. He looks at the birth and growth of Romanticism throughout Europe and the Americas, and examines various types of Romantic literature, music, painting, religion, and philosophy. 

Focusing on topics, Ferber looks at the 'Sensibility' movement, which preceded Romanticism; the rising prestige of the poet; Romanticism as a religious trend; Romantic philosophy and science; Romantic responses to the French Revolution; and the condition of women. Using examples and quotations he presents a clear insight into this very diverse movement, and offers a definition as well as a discussion of the word 'Romantic' and where it came from.