Eliot, James and the Fictional Self

‘the critical acuity of Richard Freadman’s fine study…Not only does Freadman compare George Eliot’s and Henry James’s novels in a very illuminating way: what he says, as he recognizes, has more general implications.

(English Studies: A Journal of English Language and Literature)

On Literary Theory and Philosophy

Re-thinking Theory

‘This is the most important book that has come my way for review.’

(Notes and Queries)

Renegotiating Ethics

Threads of Life

‘Overall, Freadman’s argument that concepts of the will are integral to the writing and understanding of autobiography – even by postmodernists who take the philosophical position that the will does not exist – is convincing…The book is a significant contribution to the field of life writing as well as to the history of ideas.  Freadman displays a remarkable range of knowledge about philosophical positions on and speculations about the will from ancient to modern times, and he consistently acknowledges the complexity of his topic, avoiding overly reductive definitions and explanations, yet his erudition is combined with an accessible, even surprisingly informal, writing style.’

(Biography)

Shadow of Doubt

‘Shadow of Doubt may be frank and probing, even punitive and harping at times, but it is also full of ideas and references that deepen our understanding of family life and of the art of life-writing.  There’s compassion in it, and moments of affection and tenderness.’

(Australian Book Review)

This Crazy Thing a Life

(Shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards, and the Fellowship of Australian Writers (Victoria) 2007 National Literary Awards)

‘A wonderful collection of Australian Jewish Autobiography…effortless erudition…In total, Freadman’s book offers the reader an emotional, intellectual and aesthetic experience of unusual richness and variety.’

(News South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards judging panel citation)

Jovial Harbinger of Doom

Stepladder to Hindsight

‘a superb – deeply thoughtful and humane, wonderfully literate – reflective autobiography in the tradition of Augustine, Montaigne, Rousseau, and Nabokov.’

(Lifewriting Annual)