Sentimental Narrative and the Social Order in France, 1760-1820

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Sentimental Narrative and the Social Order in France, 1760-1820
Authors and Contributors      By (author) David J. Denby
SeriesCambridge Studies in French
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:300
Dimensions(mm): Height 215,Width 139
Category/GenreLiterary studies - c 1500 to c 1800
ISBN/Barcode 9780521025720
ClassificationsDewey:840.935
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 1 Halftones, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 20 April 2006
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

In this discerning study of sentimental discourse of the late eighteenth century, David J. Denby sheds new light on Enlightenment thought and sensibility. He reveals how sentimental sub-literature reflects the social attitudes of the emerging bourgeoisie, and how its formal structures are reflected in contemporary theories concerning the nature of society, morality, and politics. Denby explores how the language and forms of sentimental narratives were adopted and exploited by political and social writers, and how sentimentalism provided a theme of continuity underlying the dominant sense of change brought about by the Revolution. In this interdisciplinary book Denby argues that sentimentalism is central to the culture of late eighteenth-century France. Texts discussed include works by Rousseau and de Stael.