A Cultural History of Comedy in the Age of Enlightenment

This book explores the variety of forms of comedy in England during the European Enlightenment, drawing on developments in France. It highlights the period's wit, satire, and humor, provoking laughter and sympathetic tears. The contributions from scholars reflect a wide range of interests in 18th-century studies, and the inclusion of illustrations demonstrates the period's visual culture. The chapters cover different themes, including form, theory, practice, identities, the body, politics and power, laughter and ethics, providing an extensive and synoptic coverage of Enlightenment comedy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive volume explores the diverse manifestations of comedy in England during the European Enlightenment, drawing upon developments in Europe, particularly France. It argues that comedy in this era was characterized by wit, satire, and humor, eliciting both laughter and sympathetic tears. The comic expression of the Enlightenment reflects continuities with previous comedic traditions while also embracing new forms and preoccupations driven by cultural, philosophical, and political concerns of the time. These concerns included democratizing revolutions, increasing secularization, and a growing emphasis on individualism.

Discussions highlight the theatrical aspects of comedy during the Enlightenment, as well as its presence in various print media, including the emerging literary form known as the novel. Contributions from scholars encompass a wide range of interests in 18th-century studies, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The inclusion of numerous illustrations throughout the book underscores the significance of visual culture in the Enlightenment comic landscape.

The book is organized into eight chapters, each focusing on a different theme: form, theory, practice, identities, the body, politics and power, laughter and ethics. These diverse approaches provide an extensive and synoptic coverage of Enlightenment comedy, offering a comprehensive understanding of this important period in intellectual and cultural history.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350440715