The book explores the transformative impact of the French Revolution in 1789, particularly how it reshaped ideals and behaviors of the emerging middle class. It delves into the relationship between the body and public life, analyzing how revolutionary changes influenced contemporary society. Through this lens, it highlights the lasting legacy of the revolution on modern values and social structures.
Vocation, Science and Authority in Post-Revolutionary France
Georges Cuvier's life is intricately explored, highlighting his dual battles as a prominent naturalist and a political figure during the tumultuous Restoration France. The narrative reveals the political tensions of the era through Cuvier's experiences, showcasing his efforts to navigate and maintain his influence amidst shifting societal dynamics. This examination provides insight into both his scientific contributions and the broader political landscape of 19th-century France.
The collection features thirteen insightful papers by historian Dorinda Outram, exploring key themes in early modern Europe. It delves into the intersections of science, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution, while also addressing gender studies. This compilation is essential for scholars and students seeking a deeper understanding of these transformative periods and their lasting impacts on society.
Unveiling the nearly lost world of the court fools of eighteenth-century Germany, Dorinda Outram shows that laughter was an essential instrument of power. Whether jovial or cruel, mirth altered social and political relations. Outram takes us first to the court of Frederick William I of Prussia, who emerges not only as an administrative reformer and notorious militarist but also as a "master of fools," a ruler who used fools to prop up his uncertain power. The autobiography of the itinerant fool Peter Prosch affords a rare insider's view of the small courts in Catholic south Germany, Austria, and Bavaria. Full of sharp observations of prelates and princes, the autobiography also records episodes of the extraordinary cruelty for which the German princely courts were notorious. Joseph Fröhlich, court fool in Dresden, presents more appealing facets of foolery. A sharp salesman and hero of the Meissen factories, he was deeply attached to the folk life of fooling. The book ends by tying the growth of Enlightenment skepticism to the demise of court foolery around 1800. Outram's book is invaluable for giving us such a vivid depiction of the court fool and especially for revealing how this figure can shed new light on the wielding of power in Enlightenment Europe.
Supported by a wide-ranging selection of documents online, this fourth edition provides an updated overview of the main themes of the Enlightenment and an analysis of the movement as a global phenomenon. Engaging and accessible, this will be essential reading for students of eighteenth-century history and philosophy.