Body, Self and Melancholy: The Self-Narratives and Life of the Nobleman Osvaldo Ercole Trapp (1634-1710)

This book explores early modern concepts of the body and the self through three self-narratives authored by Osvaldo Ercole Trapp (1634–1710), a nobleman from Tyrol. It combines textual analysis, historical anthropology, gender-historical perspective, microhistory, and the history of the body as experience and discourse to provide an innovative contribution to early modern studies, social history of early modern nobility, and the history of the body as experience and discourse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate realm of early modern concepts of the body and the self, focusing on three self-narratives authored by the nobleman Osvaldo Ercole Trapp (1634–1710). These self-narratives encompass a comprehensive body description from head to foot, autobiographical writings, and a brief chronicle of the House of Trapp-Caldonazzo. Through a meticulous approach, this book intertwines consistent contextualization and historicization of self-interpretation and biography.

The first step involves analyzing the content and function of these self-narratives in the context of current research on early modern self-narratives. This analysis aims to shed light on the unique perspectives and experiences of Trapp and his contemporaries.

In the second step, the life and family history of Osvaldo Ercole Trapp are examined from a microhistorical perspective. This perspective allows for a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts in which Trapp lived and operated. By placing his life within the broader context of early modern Tyrol's nobility, the book provides valuable insights into the social dynamics and hierarchies of the time.

The third step delves into specific contexts and discourses that enhance our comprehension of these self-narratives. These include noble masculinity, family, house, and line; theories of procreation and education; body experience and body images. By exploring these themes, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the social, cultural, and intellectual influences that shaped Trapp's self-perception and his interactions with his contemporaries.

This study employs a multi-faceted approach, combining textual analysis, historical anthropology, a strong gender-historical perspective, microhistory, and the history of the body as a history of experience and discourse. By integrating these diverse methodologies, the study makes an innovative contribution to early modern studies on self-narratives, social history of early modern nobility, and the history of the body as the history of experience and discourse.

This volume will appeal to students and scholars alike who are interested in intellectual, social, and cultural history. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the early modern period, shedding light on the complex interplay between self-identity, societal norms, and historical developments.

Weight: 571g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032440613