Lying in Early Modern English Culture: From the Oath of Supremacy to the Oath of Allegiance

Lying in Early Modern English Culture explores the ideas of truth and falsehood in early modern England from the Reformation to the Gunpowder Plot, focusing on a series of particular events and academic theories. It covers a wide range of material, including trials, literature, popular culture, and major writings by Castiglione, Montaigne, Erasmus, Luther, and Tyndale.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Lying in Early Modern English Culture is a comprehensive exploration of the conceptions of truth and falsehood in early modern England, spanning from the advent of the Reformation to the aftermath of the failed Gunpowder Plot. This period was marked by a profound sense of panic and uncertainty, as individuals grappled with the unprecedented division of Christendom and its impact on religious, cultural, and social life. While some advocated for the establishment of a secular authority to define truth, others claimed allegiance to other entities. Consequently, a relentless struggle ensued between competing authorities, each vying for the right to declare what was true and label opponents as liars. Issues of truth and lying permeated every aspect of daily existence, shaping notions of individual identity, politics, speech, sex, marriage, social behavior, philosophy, and religion.

This book delves into the cultural history of truth and lying, spanning from the 1530s to the 1610s. It emphasizes the importance of understanding lying not only in theory but also in its practical manifestations. Unlike most histories of lying, this book focuses on a series of specific events, interpreting them through the lenses of academic theories and more popular notions of lying. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the trials of Ann Boleyn and Thomas More, the divorce of Frances Howard, and the murder of Anthony James by Annis and George Dell. It also explores works of literature such as Othello, The Faerie Queene, A Mirror for Magistrates, and The Unfortunate Traveller, as well as works of popular culture such as the herring pamphlet of 1597. Additionally, it examines significant writings by figures such as Castiglione, Montaigne, Erasmus, Luther, and Tyndale.

By examining these events and texts, the book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of lying in early modern English culture. It highlights the ways in which lying was used as a tool for power, manipulation, and self-preservation, as well as how it shaped individuals' perceptions of reality and their interactions with others. The book also explores the societal and cultural implications of lying, examining how it reinforced social hierarch.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192844804