Passion Is the Gale

More about the book

The book explores the transformation of societal views on emotions in British America from the early eighteenth century to 1776. Initially, feelings of virtue were seen as exclusive to the genteel, while lower classes and marginalized groups were viewed as driven by sinful passions. However, radical thinkers began to advocate for a universal understanding of human emotions, linking them to natural rights. Nicole Eustace examines the implications of this shift by detailing the evolving emotional expressions of ordinary people during this pivotal period.