Eighteenth-Century Coffee-House Culture

This book explores the role of coffeehouses in British and American history and culture, discussing their significance in debates about the public sphere and politeness. It is intended for historians, scholars, and students of literature, science, and medicine.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1840 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The coffee house has played a significant role in shaping British and American history and culture. This book aims to contribute to ongoing discussions about the nature of the public sphere and the culture of politeness. It is designed to appeal to historians, scholars of literature, science, and medicine, providing valuable insights into the historical significance of the coffee house.
The coffee house has had a profound impact on British and American history and culture. This book seeks to intervene in ongoing debates regarding the nature of the public sphere and the culture of politeness. Its primary audience consists of historians, scholars of literature, science, and medicine, as it offers valuable insights into the historical significance of the coffee house.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, coffee houses emerged as hubs of social and intellectual activity in Britain and America. They provided a space for people from different backgrounds to gather, exchange ideas, and engage in political discourse. Coffee houses played a crucial role in the development of the Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and philosophical growth that marked the beginning of modern society.

Here are some key points about the contribution of coffee houses to British and American history and culture:

Political Influence: Coffee houses were often the site of political meetings and debates, where politicians, activists, and intellectuals discussed important issues of the day. They provided a platform for the dissemination of ideas and the promotion of political reform.

Literary and Artistic Exchange: Coffee houses were also centers of literary and artistic activity. Poets, writers, and artists gathered to share their work, exchange ideas, and critique each other's work. This led to the development of new literary genres, such as the coffee house poem, and the emergence of famous literary figures, such as Samuel Johnson and Benjamin Franklin.

Spread of Knowledge: Coffee houses were places where people could access a wide range of knowledge and information. They were often stocked with books, newspapers, and magazines, which allowed people to stay informed about current events and developments in the world.

Social and Cultural Integration: Coffee houses played a role in promoting social and cultural integration. They were places where people from different backgrounds could come together and interact, breaking down social barriers and promoting understanding and tolerance.

Cultural Exchange: Coffee houses were also hubs of cultural exchange, where people from different parts of the world could learn about each other's customs, traditions, and beliefs. This led to the development of a more cosmopolitan and multicultural society.

In conclusion, the coffee house has had a significant impact on British and American history and culture. It provided a space for social and intellectual activity, political discourse, literary and artistic exchange, the spread of knowledge, social and cultural integration, and cultural exchange. The coffee house continues to be an important symbol of the rich history and culture of these two nations.

Helps scholars and students form an understanding of the contribution made by the coffee-house to British and even American history and culture. This book attempts to make an intervention in debates about the nature of the public sphere and the culture of politeness. It is intended for historians and scholars of literature, science, and medicine.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138663374