Cultural Histories of Ageing: Myths, Plots and Metaphors of the Senescent Self

This collection explores culturally specific conceptions of old age, late-life identity, and selfhood through literature and philosophy from sixteenth- to twenty-first-century America, Britain, France, Germany, Poland, Norway, and Russia. It includes contributions from Jan Baars, David Troyansky, and George Rousseau, and examines how fiction, poetry, and autobiographical writing contribute to constructing a cultural history of senescence. The chapters provide in-depth analyses of major and lesser-known works, highlighting the rich potential of these forms of literature to convey long-standing representations of old age, as well as the subjectivities that shaped them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on a rich tapestry of literature and philosophy from sixteenth to twenty-first centuries, this collection delves into culturally specific conceptions of old age, as well as subjective constructions of late-life identity and selfhood. Renowned humanistic gerontologist Jan Baars, esteemed historian of old age David Troyansky, and distinguished cultural historian and pioneer in the fields of literature and science George Rousseau join a team of literary historians who explore the intricate connections between their chosen texts and the corresponding medical and gerontological knowledge of their respective eras. The chapters offer in-depth analyses of both major and lesser-known works, showcasing the immense potential of fiction, poetry, and autobiographical writing in constructing a cultural history of senescence. These literary examples not only document long-standing representations of old age and significant shifts in cultural attitudes towards the aged, but also foreground the subjective experiences that shaped these representations and continue to resonate with readers across different times and places. By spanning a diverse range of authors, genres, periods, and languages, the collection provides a comprehensive understanding of how literature serves as one of the most valuable and captivating sources for historicizing the ageing self.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367769741