Faces of Degeneration: A European Disorder, c.1848-c.1918 (Ideas in Context, Series Number 15) - Softcover

Pick, Daniel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052145753X ISBN 13: 9780521457538

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1993

Synopsis

This book investigates the specific conception and descent of a language of "degeneration" from 1848 to 1918, with particular reference to France, Italy, and England. The author shows how in the refraction and wake of evolution and naturalism, new images and theories of atavism, "dégénérescence" and socio-biological decline emerged in European culture and politics. He indicates the wide cultural and political importance of the idea of degeneration, while showing that the notion could mean different things at different times in different places. Exploring the distinctive historical and discursive contexts in France, Italy, and England within which the idea was developed, the book traces the profound complex of political issues to which the concept of degeneration gave rise during the period from the revolutions of 1848 to the First World War and beyond.

About this title

Book Description:

Exploring the historical contexts in France, Italy, and England within which the idea was developed, this text traces the political issues to which the concept of degeneration gave rise during the period from the revolutions of 1848 to the First World War and beyond.

About the Author:

Pick is Lecturer in History, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 052145753X
• ISBN 13: 9780521457538
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288