Men on Trial: Performing Emotion, Embodiment and Identity in Ireland, 1800-45

Men on trial explores how the Irish performed 'the self within the early nineteenth-century courtroom and its implications for law, society, and nation, emphasizing that manliness was not simply a cultural ideal but something practised, felt, and embodied. It argues that justice was not determined by weighing evidence but by weighing men, their bodies, behaviours, and emotions, and that manliness and its role in the creation of justice became implicated in the making of national identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Men on trial delves into the intricate tapestry of how the Irish navigate the complex terrain of the early nineteenth-century courtroom, unraveling the profound implications that reverberate across law, society, and the nation. By employing innovative methodologies from the realm of the history of emotion, alongside theories of performativity and performative space, this groundbreaking work emphasizes that manliness transcended mere cultural ideals, evolving into a lived, felt, and embodied reality.

In this captivating exploration, Men on trial sheds light on the profound ways in which gender plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of power. It serves as a timely and thought-provoking resource for scholars immersed in the fields of Irish history, law, and gender studies. This book makes a compelling argument that justice is not solely determined by the meticulous weighing of evidence but by the intricate balance of weighing men, their bodies, behaviors, and emotions. Moreover, in a time when the processes of justice were meticulously documented and publicized to the nation and the world, manliness and its role in shaping justice became intricately intertwined with the construction of national identity.

Through a meticulous examination of legal cases, societal attitudes, and cultural expressions, Men on trial offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between gender, justice, and national identity in early nineteenth-century Ireland. It sheds light on the ways in which men negotiated the demands of masculinity, the pressures of the legal system, and the broader societal expectations to shape their roles and navigate the treacherous waters of the courtroom. The book also explores the ways in which the performance of manliness on the legal stage influenced public perception, shaped legal precedent, and contributed to the broader narrative of Ireland's development as a nation.

In conclusion, Men on trial is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of gender, law, and society in early nineteenth-century Ireland. By delving into the nuanced dynamics of the courtroom, this book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the enduring legacies that shape our world today. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complex and fascinating relationship between gender, justice, and national identity.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 140 x 217 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163646