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    The influence of Congregationalism on the New Journalism of W. T. Stead, 1870-1901

    March, Philip (2019) The influence of Congregationalism on the New Journalism of W. T. Stead, 1870-1901. Doctoral thesis, Birkbeck, University of London.

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    Abstract

    This thesis examines the influence of Congregationalism on the New Journalism of W. T. Stead (1849–1912) between 1870 and 1901. It explores how Nonconformity helped to shape the development of Stead’s journalism as it evolved into the press practices of the New Journalism decried by defenders of an elitist cultural heritage that included the leading social critic, Matthew Arnold. Chapter 1 examines the emergence of New Journalism as concept and term. It recalibrates the date of the expression’s first usage and explores the way in which its practices evolved from a range of earlier press influences. Chapter 2 positions Stead as a public intellectual and explores the ways in which he represented the role of the editor and the press. The chapter further examines the influence of evangelicalism and the Nonconformist Conscience on Stead’s developing New Journalism and discusses the place of his manifesto papers in his theorising on the powers of the press. Chapter 3 focuses on Stead’s time as editor at the Northern Echo (1871–1880) during which he developed the paper into a prominent, campaigning, Liberal-party supporting, regional newspaper. Chapter 4 examines the period during which Stead was assistant editor (1880–1883) and then editor (1883–1889) of the London Pall Mall Gazette when he was a leading activist for social reform. The chapter examines Stead’s use of sensationalism and homiletic novel writing by which he sought to engage his readers in the moral questions raised by pressing issues for democratic and social change. Chapter 5 concentrates on Stead’s establishment of the Review of Reviews as a leading journal for the dissemination of culturally improving and spiritually enlightening materials. In particular, the chapter explores Stead’s use of supplementary publications to promote Christian reunification at home and abroad, British imperial interests, and the federation of the English-speaking peoples.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Thesis
    Copyright Holders: The copyright of this thesis rests with the author, who asserts his/her right to be known as such according to the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. No dealing with the thesis contrary to the copyright or moral rights of the author is permitted.
    Depositing User: Acquisitions And Metadata
    Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2019 12:44
    Last Modified: 01 Nov 2023 14:01
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/40416
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.18743/PUB.00040416

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