Matters of Engagement: Emotions, Identity, and Cultural Contact in the Premodern World

This study explores the history of emotions in relation to cross-cultural movement, exchange, contact, and changing connections in the later medieval and early modern periods, focusing on the performance and negotiation of identity in situations of cultural contact. It brings together two major areas in contemporary humanities, the study of how emotions were understood, expressed, and performed in shaping premodern transcultural relations, and the study of premodern cultural movements, contacts, exchanges, and understandings as emotionally charged encounters. The edited volume is an invaluable source for scholars and students concerned with the history of premodern emotions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 06 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate tapestry of emotions in the context of cross-cultural movement, exchange, contact, and shifting connections during the later medieval and early modern periods. Drawing upon a diverse array of disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise, it offers a profound exploration of the historical evolution of emotions in a globalized world.

The essays featured in this volume revolve around the performance and negotiation of identity in situations of cultural contact, with a particular focus on the emotional practices that shape these interactions. Spanning a wide range of thematic and disciplinary domains, these essays are meticulously organized around the primary sources upon which they are based. By bringing together two major areas of contemporary humanities—the study of how emotions were understood, expressed, and performed in shaping premodern transcultural relations and the study of premodern cultural movements, contacts, exchanges, and understandings as emotionally charged encounters—this edited volume sheds new light on the role of emotions within Europe and amongst non-Europeans and Europeans between 1100 and 1800.

The rich discussion of emotions in a diverse array of sources, including letters, images, material culture, travel writing, and literary accounts, renders Matters of Engagement an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike. It provides a deep and multifaceted perspective on the emotional dimensions of premodern history, offering insights into the complex interplay between individuals, communities, and broader cultural contexts. This study not only contributes to our understanding of the past but also has important implications for contemporary debates on identity, culture, and intercultural relations.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138594678