Book Description
Whoever said “Everything old is new again” could have been talking about French Pompadour Style. The flamboyant, opulent, refined aesthetic—so characteristic of the eighteenth century—has enjoyed a spectacular revival in recent years. In The New Eighteenth-Century Style, journalist Michèle Lalande and photographer Gilles Trillard, both experts in the field of interior décor, survey 30 examples of this quintessential blending of exquisite detail and ostentatious affluence. From lush velvet upholstery to the emblematic use of turquoise with gold accents, these perfectly captured interiors beguile the reader with well-worn extravagance. In an era of “shabby chic” the more refined, more pristine accents of Pompadour may be just what the world of interior décor needs—and this beautiful book provides an indispensable guide.
Customer Reviews:
Love that shabby chic French style!.......2007-06-01
An absolutely smashing book, full of details. After all, it is the details that make the room finishesd and unique. This is a classic look in my way of thinking, but then again, it is my style! A decorator by trade, I am always open to new concepts, and I found the book to offer many different perspectives on the same style, pages after pages of them. Excellent book layout and design, and wonderful photography.
Lovely book.......2007-04-04
I'm an artist & antique collector and not an interior designer by trade, so I am totally enjoying this book. I find it to be a lovely book full of great photography and many interesting details to spark one's imagination. Regardless of the fact that all the styles are not necessarily my own taste, the book as a whole is great fun to look at and I found it inspiring. Each time I looked at a room, I found some new little detail that I'd missed the first time around. It made me itch to re-vamp a room, stat, and I consider anything that inspires me or makes me feel creative money well spent.
Dangerous Liasons.......2007-02-09
This is a pretty, pretty book with lots of great stuff to look it, lots of interesting vignettes. It's French shabby, chippy _hit, uh, I mean chic. This was a great trend in the mid 1990's here in the USA before Rachel A. made shabby and chic a brand. Big style on a budget using detrius no one wanted. And it was cheap back then. Just took a can of white paint to chic up everything.
These French 18th century and 18th century inspired objets in this book, are not cheap. They are shabby and they are beautiful. The vignettes look like the Broadway stage set for the play Dangerous Liasons - decay, messy, artful, romantic, monochromatic and mad.
Like many decor books, the vignettes are impossible to see as life like - like does anyone really live in these vignettes. Still, they are beautiful to look at. The new 18th century style is a little like the new emperor's clothes. Smoke and mirrors to the highest degree of accomplishment. Get this book for the fun of it.
Fabulous Book! .......2006-11-18
If you're style is that of a Paris flea market, the bazaar in Bombay or a eclectic old shop somewhere in Eastern Europe, you'll love this book. Great photography; the individualism of each space comes through with color and texture. My new favorite. The highlight is more photos of the Stockholm attic apartment, which is a true style icon.
French Flea Market (if you like that look).......2006-11-02
More like Madame Pompadour is probably rolling over in her grave. I hope to goodness gracious that this isn't the new 18th century style. If you like 18th century style on a seriously tight budget then you may enjoy this book. It's full of pages of colorless 'schemes', seriously abused furniture and icy cold lighting. Was it all photographed in rooms with Northern exposure? The editors of Veranda will love this book. I am an interior designer who collects period 18th century furniture and art. I have truly studied 18th century furniture, decorative arts and customs for years and this is a popular look although I find it horribly depressing. On the positive side - the photography in this book is very well done. If you like French flea market 'junk' then you'll love this. I gave it a 4 vs. a 2 because the quality of the book is excellent and the photography is excellent but much of my disdain for this book is from this horrendous & prevalent style that I wish would go away.
Average customer rating:
- A minor let down
- A SPLENDID TREASURE FOR AFICIONADOS AND SCHOLARS
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Art in Rome in the Eighteenth Century
Edgar Peters Bowron
Manufacturer: Merrell
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ASIN: 1858940982 |
Book Description
Grand work sof art in all media-oil and fresco, bronze and marble, terracotta, and porcelain, drawings and prints,t extiles, silver and mosaic, jewlery and furniture-were created in Rome during the eighteenth century to embellish Roman churches, palaces, fountains piazzaz, gardens, and galleries, as well as for export. This definitive history of eighteenth-century Roman art, architecture, and decorative art captures the grand scale of diverse artistic expression of this century and documents the fashion of Neoclassicism that it inspired.
Customer Reviews:
A minor let down.......2001-12-08
A good catalogue of catalogues broad base book, but if you are usedto Konemann books for the same money it is not in the same league.
We are in debt that this period has finally been covered, so a steller effort. The details and research are flawless.
But come on,page 295 fig 102 Carlo Maratti "Triumph of Clemency" a milestone hit of this period by anyones standard, the size of a credit card, in very poor black and white, yet on page 172 we have a commode at least 4 by 4 in full color, in Sotheby auction catalogue format, this book is a catalogue of art objects not an Art book be very aware of the distinction. A lot of really good paintings are black and white, and small while high brow 18th century garage sale objects get full color press.(being a smart ass)
I mean didnt Chiari or Conca do some ceilings somewhere, break it into two books, go heavier into the painting and sculpture, enlarge, add, and color more pictures, do some full page details,put the damn furniture under the Home Depot section of another book, and cut down on all the text, we get the picture you are experts ,so can we get the picture.....thank you though it is a great book wonderful coverage.
I apologize a lot of time went into this book I think too many good cooks spoiled the broth,there are so many great paintings from that period we will never see. A great job Thanks for helping all of us get off the Rococo to Impressionist highway at the 18th Century Roman exit.
A SPLENDID TREASURE FOR AFICIONADOS AND SCHOLARS.......2000-12-17
Rome, forever beckoning, forever fascinating. And, as we're reminded in this landmark volume, Rome during the 18th century was the birthplace of countless art treasures. Such a plethora of richness was due, in large part, to wealthy travelers doing the Grand Tour who eagerly offered patronage, and the flourishing academic environment - the Accademia di San Luca, the French Academy, the Accademia dell' Arcadia.
Thus, a virtual mother lode of work in all media was produced, not only to be shipped to the opulent homes of the visiting aristocrats but to adorn the Eternal City's churches, palaces, fountains, piazzas, and gardens.
It was in this climate that artists such as Canova, Maratti, Piranesi, Baroni, David, and Fuseli flourished. Art In Rome presents some 500 glorious illustrations accompanied by edifying texts penned by some of the world's foremost scholars. It is a volume to savor, to treasure, and to enjoy over and over again.
We find Antonio Canova, perhaps best remembered for his reclining portrait figure of Pauline Borghese as the victorious Venus. Here, we are reintroduced to his skill in the qualities of classicism as shown in "Theseus with the Dead Minotaur."
Originally a stonemason, he turned to sculpture after moving to Venice in 1768. He was to become the most influential sculptor of the Neoclassical period.
There is Maratti (Carlo Maratta), the leading painter in Rome during the late 17th century, and Fuseli, a Swiss-born painter, draughtsman, and writer on art. who came to Italy where he became enthralled with the works of Michelangelo.
The list of artists represented is lengthy; the visual pleasures found in these splendid illustrations are many. Art In Rome captures much that has previously been given scant attention in the annals of cultural history.
Book Description
A legendary bestseller for more than forty years, this is the classic survey to the field from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century.
With 274 authors, the Eighth Edition deepens its representation of essential works in all genres, ranging from Seamas Heaney's award-winning translation of Beowulf, Milton's Paradise Lost, and More's Utopia to the great poets and prose writers of the nineteenth century—Blake and Austen, Wordsworth and Byron, Tennyson and Barrett Browning—to twentieth-century classics of a truly global English literature—Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Woolf's A Room of One's Own, Achebe's Things Fall Apart, and Friel's Translations, to name but a few. Color plates—over 75 in all—and thematic clusters of brief and historically significant texts bring to life the cultural concerns of each period. Concise glosses and annotations, period introductions, biographical headnotes, timelines, and selected bibliographies help readers understand and enjoy the rich diversity of English literature.
Customer Reviews:
One big book........2007-09-21
There seems to be nothing wrong or displeasing about this book aside from its overall dimensions. The stories are assembled well. There is even a nice history about the authors in some instances. Like I said previous, its one gigantic book. I think it would have been perfect to maybe cut it in half, labling them "volume 1a" and "volume 1b". Oh well, its still a pretty good book.
30% saved.......2007-09-18
I saved at least 30% on this book compaird to the schools' bookstore asking price.
What can I say..........2007-08-26
This is the definitive collection of what is widely regarded as the best early English literature. How can this not get a five? Beowulf to Milton.
A Steal ..........2007-07-03
No doubt, this is an excellent value ... although if you've studied Eng Lit at all, there will obviously be duplicates of your past experience. Personally, I've found Norton a much more reliable 'Name' than the more famous Oxford and Cambridge brands, that is if you're interested in actually 'thinking' v. tenure.
Norton Anthology 8th Ed........2007-02-12
The 8th Edition of the Norton Anthology was just what I expected and was the perfect addition to my educational library.
Book Description
During the reigns of Louis XV (1723-74) and Louis XVI (1774-92), fashion and furniture were not simply meant to be beautiful but were also intended to arouse, attract, and seduce. Published in response to the critically acclaimed and hugely popular exhibition held at the Metropolitan Museum in the fall of 2004, Dangerous Liaisons focuses on fashion and its interplay with the paintings, furniture, and decorative arts of eighteenth-century France. Featuring beautiful color photographs of the exhibition’s installation, details of the garments, and supplementary historical material, the book demonstrates how the extravagant clothing of the period reiterated the splendor of Rococo and Neoclassical interiors.
Customer Reviews:
Oh, my goodness.......2007-09-08
Great text and pictures. I only wish there were more details of the fashion.
Disappointment.......2007-07-31
An overblown production that does not deliver. A waste of photography and an even bigger waste of money.
Reference to 18th century costuming.......2007-07-23
I make porcelain dolls and found this book invaluable for costuming the dolls in authentic dresses.The settings for the costumes is also very inspiring
Angonita Blue Ribbon Dolls
Magnificent detail.......2007-02-13
If you have a penchant for 18th century fashion this is the book for you. As I turned each page I was more and more enamoured with what I saw. The most delicious fabrics and designs, accompanied by authentic furniture and settings.
You can just imagine Marie Antoinette swishing down the corridors of Versailles in one of these magnificent creations... absolutely wonderful!!
Absolutely Beautiful.............2006-11-05
An absolutely beautiful book showing the rooms and dress of that period......
Book Description
Conjuring all the sweep of a great nineteenth-century novel, acclaimed author William Dalrymple unearths the fascinating story of the British Resident at the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad, James Kirkpatrick, who in 1798 fell in love with the great-niece of the Hyderabadi prime minister. To marry her, Kirkpatrick converted to Islam and even became a double agent working against the East India Company. Shedding light on the many eccentric Westerners during this period who "turned Turk," adopting Indian customs, dress, and religions, Darymple brings to life a compelling and largely unwritten story of Britain's rule over India.
Customer Reviews:
Once Upon a Time in Hyderabad ..........2007-09-21
This book is a complex many-faceted marvel! It is carefully researched history transformed into the story of an ultimately tragic romance. With its portrayal of Europeans astride two cultures, it offers a wonderful, and probably unintentional, counterpoint to the Clash of Civilizations. It is a swarm of all-seeing flies on the walls and writing desks of Hyderabad's elite, both British and Indian, two centuries ago - with their city, dress, festivals and habits brought vividly to life. It is a fascinating description of British and Mughal political intrigue in and around the Deccan as imperial control tightened. It is a sensitive reflection on the rapacious, self-indulgent and precarious lives lived by the British in insalubrious coastal cities like Calcutta and Madras. And as result of the unbelievably painstaking process of meticulous documentation we are convinced that we are seeing events exactly as participants did. It is a mind-blowing accomplishment.
A beautiful book.......2007-09-11
This is a beautiful book. A fascinating love story, a forgotten angle on the British in India, a human and historical tragedy. It's scholarly but warm, thoroughly researched but very readable, broad but not diffuse.
And in one sense it's also very much about the early 21st Century: with respect and good humour, cultures and religions can co-exist and complement each other. So much for the "clash of civilisations" theory.
The "moral of the story" right at the end could have been better placed in an author's preface, and I trust a second edition would pick up the small number of editing mistakes.
Read it.
Wonderful Historical Book - Fascinating, Informative, Easy Read.......2007-08-09
This is a wonderful book about an oft-overlooked, yet fascinating topic--the mughal period in Hyderabad (or perhaps I should say the end of the Mughal period) and the role of Europeans in the late mughal period. It is sensitively written and thoroughly researched. While so many historical works prove rather dull reading, this book is well written accessible and engaging. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Indian history, the moghul period, and/or the Deccan region.
Sliver of history from British India.......2007-08-09
Must read if you're interested in the history of India. Felt like I was walking through the streets of Hyderabad in the 19th century.
Powerful, romantic and heartbreaking.......2007-07-25
Dalrymple's previous books have been travel books with lots of historical background. In WHITE MUGHALS Dalrymple has come up with a magnificent work of history writing. In this book he covers the period in Indian history when the East India Company/England had not yet subjugated India and did not yet have their racist attitudes which were to mark the Raj. The late 18th and early 19th Century was a period of remarkable cross-culturalization in India. The book focuses on one James Kirkpatrick, who was Resident of the Hyderabad office of the East India Company. Kirkpatrick (and many others) fell under the spell of India, becoming fluent in the local languages, adopting Indian dress, converting to Islam and marrying an Indian woman. This last act caused a great scandal when it was reported by a political rival in the Mughal court that he seduced and/or raped the woman. However he was able to prove that it was actually the woman and her female relatives who instigated and orchestrated their love affair. Fortunately for Kirkpatrick his advice to his superiors on the political situation (which had been pooh-poohed) at this time proved to be remarkably prescient, which resulted in his superior being recalled and his own status affirmed. The love of Kirkpatrick for his "Begum" was a deep and abiding one that produced two children. The children were sent to England at ages 4 and 8 to be educated and live with their paternal grandfather. They never saw their parents again. This was a traumatic event for both parents and children. But it was rather typical for such children of this time and place. Dalrymple does a masterful job in presenting not only the political machinations of both the Hyderabadi court and the East India Company, but the romantic and exotic allure of India itself. Kirkpatrick and his love have to weather the opposition from all sides. With the coming of the 19th Century and the British gaining more and more power, attitudes began to change and the blissful period of multiculturalism was supplanted by a master/subject mentality that destroyed the mutual trust of the British and the Indians. Anglo-Indian children faced discrimination and racism from both sides and religious tolerance faded as both Christian and Muslim religions became more severe and fundamentalist. This is a very sad story, but incredibly illuminating. I'm a big fan of Dalrymple's previous books, but this one is absolutely spellbinding and could serve as the basis for a fabulous movie. Highly recommended. Five stars.
Book Description
This first book-length study of gender relations in the Lower Yangzi region during the High Qing era (c. 1683-1839) challenges enduring late-nineteenth-century perspectives that emphasized the oppression and subjugation of Chinese women. Placing women at the center of the High Qing era shows how gender relations shaped the economic, political, social, and cultural changes of the age, and gives us a sense of what women felt and believed, and what they actually did, during this period.
Most analyses of gender in High Qing times have focused on literature and on the writings of the elite; this book broadens the scope of inquiry to include women's work in the farm household, courtesan entertainment, and women’s participation in ritual observances and religion. In dealing with literature, it shows how women's poetry can serve the historian as well as the literary critic, drawing on one of the first anthologies of women's writing compiled by a woman to examine not only literary sensibilities and intimate emotions, but also political judgments, moral values, and social relations.
After an introductory chapter that evaluates the historiography of Chinese women, the book surveys High Qing history, charts the female life course, and discusses women's place in writing and learning, in entertainment, at work, and in religious practice. The concluding chapter returns to broad historiographic questions about where women figure in space and time and why we can no longer write histories that ignore them.
Customer Reviews:
women but not gender.......2002-03-06
I am glad to see this book, because this book is the first book-length study of women during the High Qing. I think this book does not fulfill what it promises in the introduction -- to challgenge the lens of Orientalism. It is true that the book goes beyond the paradigm of oprresionn and subjugation and examines farm household, courtesan entertainment, religion, etc., but it tries too hard to claim a voice for Chinese women. Who is the author to "recover" Chinese women's voice? In reinventing the "traditional" woman, the author perpetuates the gaze on women. There are some complexities of different "types" of women, but the author lacks a critical self-reflection. Afterall, what alternative is she bringing in to replace Orientalism?
A Feminine View.......2000-07-25
To an even greater extent than in the West, the views of Chinese women have been seldom heard; Susan Mann's book attempts to correct that for women of the Qing Period (1644- 1911)although she comfortably moves back and forward in time to other periods. To an admirable degree, she succeeds in her task. She brings together primary sources from women themselves where possible but does not hesitate to supplement those sources with the work of male writers, often court officials, where necessary. Speaking of gender, a cover blurb (and to some extent the Introduction with its use of terms like 'male gaze' etc.) could suggest that this is a 'feminist' work. To view it as such would be a mistake;Mann is a highly respected scholar who happens to be of the female gender and she 'tells it like it was' without emphasising either sentimental or ideological aspects of the lives of Chinese women. Without wishing to downplay her obvious and genuine concern for feminine issues, she can only be described as a 'feminist historian'in the way that, say, Ursula LeGuin is a feminist writer of fantasy and science fiction or Alison Jolly a feminist writer on human evolution or biology. The work is clearly directed towards students of Chinese history but is well written and should be enjoyable to anyone with a serious interest in China (and with a little perseverence). Some chapters are dense and scholarly, like Chapter 4 on 'Writing' which explores many primary sources, whilst others read quite smoothly. This is not a criticism; just a fact of life for such a work. Mann does everything possible to ease the burden for her readers with, for example, many pertinent illustrations, references largely moved to comprehensive Endnotes and an English' Chinese character list. The book does not attempt to cover all areas of Qing history (thankfully) but covers the areas it promises to in great detail- a reader can ask for little more. Recommended.
Book Description
This is the most comprehensive account to date of the history of literary criticism in Britain and Europe between 1660 and 1800. Unlike previous histories, it is not just a chronological survey, but a multi-disciplinary study of how the understanding of literature in the modern era was shaped by developments in intellectual, cultural and social history. It provides an authoritative historical overview in all areas of literary studies. Extensive bibliographies supply detailed guidance for further research.
Book Description
From the smallest mining pfennigs to the largest multiple ducats in gold, this single volume represents a definitive collection of 18th century world coins, based on more than 30 years of research by hundreds of numismatic experts. The listings for issues from China, the German states, and the Holy Roman empire, along with Transylvania, the Papal states, France, and Spain contain a wealth of information not found in other world numismatic references.
Listings are presented in a new easy-to-use format with more descriptive information and the denomination appearing next to each Krause-Mishler number. Coin prices are now listed in up to five grades of condition. Collectors are assured of updated and highly accurate pricing as international numismatic experts have reviewed every value.
This third edition features more than 17,900 actual size obverse and reverse coin images.
• Represents a definitive collection of 18th century world coins
• New easy-to-use format with more descriptive information and the denomination appearing next to each Krause-Mishler number
• Lists coin prices in up to five grades of condition
Customer Reviews:
Simply 18th century coins of the world for the world !.......2006-07-23
Certainly this is the book for 18th century coins, unless you are mainly interested in one country like the UK or France -- in that case you would find more information more attractively laid out, along with other centuries, elsewhere, usually more cheaply too. But for its coverage of the world, including hugely complicated countries like Gemany, Italy and India, it is unbeatable. This 3rd edition is an improvement over earlier editions, because more pictures (especially of the smaller coins) and more obscurities have been included.
For users in countries which do not speak English, the conversions such as VF = TTB = BB =MBC are very useful !
The book is not difficult for foreigners to use.
As my collection slowly moves back in time.......2005-12-25
I need a guide so I just do not blindly pay big bucks for cute pictures. There are a lot of good guides and some more specific on particular eras and locations such as Westphalia. But as you do a coin search you are bound to run across something you are not familiar with and need a guide. This guide is a great place to start; it is easy to navigate and gives cursory information on particular locations and times surrounding the coin's production.
Keeping in mind that this is just a guide, there are holes and the coins are not displayed in color. On the other hand the coins shown are in actual size; size is hard to translate form internet pictures.
With all the electronic references today it is nice to have something tactile, static and transportable. This book meet al those needs.
The best guide to world gold coins after year 1600.......2005-03-29
This is the best guide to world gold coins dated
after 1600. Before 1600, look for Friedberg's
"Gold Coins of the World" which has gold ancient coins
and gold coins up to year 1600.
Clark Smith
www.coinvault.com
Maximum amount of info for so little cost!.......2001-06-14
This book is very well thought out and put together.All the periphial sections,such as HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG,COUNTRY INDEX, FOREIGN EXCHANGE TABLE,MINT INDEX,THE COIN DENOMINATION SECTION, THE INTERNATIONAL NUMERAL SYSTEMS,THE COIN SIZE CHART,HEJIRA DATE CHART,AND THE 18TH CENTURY LEGENDS,all are informative and very helpfull.The small tidbit of information they throw in at the begining of each nation section is just enough history to make it interesting.The photos for the most part are very good and usualy show enough detail so as to make a positive determination. Throughout the book there are numerous charts for indivdual piece dating and mint mark identification.With all of this in one book, this book is surprisingly easy to use and understand.
The best coins catalog of the 18th Century.......2000-09-19
This book is a guide excellent for the coins collector of the 18th century's coins. Well, if you are interested in World Coins that it was be mint between 1701 and 1800, to then buy a Krause WC book, especially, this book, "Standard Catalog of World Coins : Eighteenth Century, 1701-1800 (2nd Ed)". They do it differently every couple of years. Before then they used to have one massive volume covering from about 1700 to present. Later you'll have to buy both the 1801-1900 and then the 1900 to present volumes and it's a real pain to start following a listing in a country and then have to dig out the other volume when you pass 1899. Also you'll probably need the 1600-1700. So you will have a complete numismatic guide.
Book Description
Between 1770 and 1830, London was the world’s largest and richest city, the center of hectic social ferment and spectacular sexual liberation. These singular conditions prompted revolutionary modes of thought, novel sensibilities, and constant debate about the relations between men and women. Such an atmosphere also stimulated outrageous behavior, from James Boswell’s copulating on Westminster Bridge to the Prince Regent’s attempt to seduce a woman by pleading, sobbing, and stabbing himself with a pen-knife. And nowhere was London’s lewdness and iconoclasm more vividly represented than its satire.
City of Laughter chronicles the rise and fall of a great tradition of ridicule and of the satirical, humorous, and widely circulated prints that sustained it. Focusing not on the polished wit upon which polite society prided itself, but rather on malicious, sardonic and satirical humor—humor that was bawdy, knowing and ironic—Vic Gatrell explores what this tradition says about Georgian views of the world and about their own pretensions. Taking the reader into the clubs and taverns where laughter flowed most freely, Gatrell examines how Londoners laughed about sex, scandal, fashion, drink and similar pleasures of life.
Combining words and images–including more than 300 original drawings by Cruikshank, Gillray, Rowlandson, and others—City of Laughter offers a brilliantly original panorama of the era, providing a ground-breaking reappraisal of a period of change and a unique account of the origins of our attitudes toward sex, celebrity and satire today.
Customer Reviews:
An Interesting new Scholarship.......2007-03-09
Benny Hill in 1800. We tend to think of the Brits as being rather prudish. There was even a play a few years ago -- 'No Sex Please, We're British.' We especially think of the days past when Jane Austen was writting her sexless romance stories that only a minimum amount of 'laying down and thinking of England' was done to perpetuate the race.
Now comes Mr. Gattrell's book that blows that all apart. He managed to find some hundreds (at least) of graphic prints in the British museum that are more graphic than you would expect to see. Ribald is the word that comes to mind. Here are drawings of every aspect you can image. There's bathroom humor, sexual satire, everything you can imagine.
Underneath the humor there is more serious research as Mr. Gatrell has used the prints to illustrate the climate of the times. It is a bit of scholarship not seen before and which may be used to increase our understanding of the times, much as the cartoons of Lincoln help to explain the background to our own Civil War.
A book highly recommended for any in-depth college-level collection........2007-03-06
CITY OF LAUGHTER: SEX AND SATIRE IN 18TH-CENTURY LONDON considers the presence and meaning of lewd graphic prints in early 18th century London society, and comes from a little-known treasure trove of such prints long held by the British Library. These prints held satire, observational pieces, and represented a changing sexual and social climate in the country: they are key to any in-depth, college-level understanding of 18th century London. Thousands of such prints of the era explore Georgian worldviews and habits in a book highly recommended for any in-depth college-level collection.
engaging, incomparable critique of historic British prints.......2007-02-14
Gatrell seamlessly blends art history and appreciation with social history for an elaborate, panoramic treatment of the spirit of ribaldry and satire captured in numerous comic prints of the era. The author goes well beyond the best known satirical artists of Hogarth, Gillray, Rowlandson, and Cruickshank to include numerous others as well. (The treatment carries over into the early nineteenth century.) Nearly 300 of the prints are reproduced in color in varying sizes from full-page to one-third of the 5" x 10" page size. In this century of sweeping social change from the old order to a much more democratic society, the artists took full advantage of their new freedoms and the growing number of newspapers and other media including posters to portray the antics and vices of English men and women. No one, not royalty or high politicians, escaped the scathing portraits of Hogarth, Rowlandson, and the others; though many of the prints had generic characters such as lechers, lusty women, hypocrites, and drunkards. Pornographic and scatological material and illustration knew no bounds. Still, much of the art of caricature and satire had a moralistic or political intent. In the early 1800s, the "radical commentary turned solemn and earnest on the whole, as a new optimism about the prospects for social- and self-improvement developed." Democratic society had grown to understand itself, its potentials, and its desirable proprieties better. The Victorian era was dawning. Adulterers, drunkards, etc., were no longer to be simply ridiculed, but reformed. Besides, it was becoming increasingly risky to make merciless and often bitter fun of recognizable leaders of society--the legal and financial troubles of some of the satirists moderated others. But generally, as democratic, middle-class values and tastes spread throughout the society, the wicked satire which could send a heir to the throne into seclusion and evoke "wild, coarse, reckless, ribald laughter...was beginning to be taught good manners," as the novelist Thackeray saw. Gatrell is a professor of British history in England.
A Fabulous History.......2006-12-25
I cannot rate this book too highly. It is profusely illustrated with hundreds of caricatures from the period; it is well written, witty, and deeply informed; and it covers ground of great interest to anyone interested in the birth of our modern world, this history of manners, or the specific artists treated, e.g. James Gillray, Cruikshank, or Rowlandson. The book is a deep, social history of the satirical print in England from 1780 to 1830, following the winding routes by which laughter, public sexuality, ridicule, and free speech made their way into the 19th century. The scholarly documentation is formidable.
Anyone with an interest in 18th or early 19th century culture will enjoy this book and find a wealth of fascinating observations. Of course, those who have a love for the artists themselves, will find this to be an inestimable resource!
Particularly interesting is the treatment of 'Libertine Philosophy', and the fuzzy boundaries between the high and low-lifes of London of the 18th century when it came to amusement. Gatrell's discussions of the 'history of laughter', yes, it has a history, is brilliant. If you have ever thought about why some jokes are taboo, why laughing out loud can be wonderful or embarrassing, read on.
Product Description
Beth Gilgun brings the mid to late 1700s to life with her entertaining and informative "letters" to a friend on the frontier. Great for reenactors, teachers, historic interpreters, and theatrical costumers. As an accomplished seamstress and goodwife, Gilgun shares with her "friend" information on clothing for men, women and children, as well as other topics of daily life in Colonial America. Included are clear, concise instructions for constructing reproduction 18th century garments, from choosing fabric to finishing. Her chatty letters include news about current events and the latest goods available on the East Coast.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful........2007-03-09
This should be a primer for all 18th century reenactors. What a wonderful building block!
Delightful reading.......2006-05-18
A highly delightful and highly informative source of information on the 1700s frontier living. Clothing most interesting.
I found the writer's meathod of conveyence in the form of letters to 'friends' most interesting.
A brilliant resource for newbies..........2005-03-23
I can only echo what previous reviewers have said. I received my copy yesterday, and couldn't put it down. Ms. Gilgun has compiled here a wealth of resources for those interested in 18th century life, American history, costuming, re-enactors...you name it. I'd even recommend it as a resource for writers who write this period. Fascinating, useful, a classic. A bargain at twice the price.
Good sewing directions.......2001-12-19
Period clothing can be difficult to make, not least because many of the sources offer sewing instructions written in ancient Sumerian. Gilgun does a nice job of explaining how to put together the items she describes (and the recipes are a nice touch too!).
My field is more 19th-century, but as far as I can tell by originals I've seen and other trusted experts, she's pretty accurate.
An excellent first investment.......2000-04-02
I found the author's chatty yet informative style engaging and useful. The illustrations, while not always extremely professional looking, are nonetheless helpful and elucidating. I have made many garments from her patterns and found them often superior to separate commercial patterns, and her careful thorough instructions ensured highly satisfactory results. As a first purchase to aid in starting reenacting, or if you can only afford one, I'd strongly recommend this book.
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Books Index
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