Surgery and Selfhood in Early Modern England: Altered Bodies and Contexts of Identity

Alanna Skuse's book explores the socio-economic and philosophical consequences of body-altering surgeries in early modern Europe, raising questions about the nature of body integrity and its relationship to the soul. It argues that the answers to these questions were flexible, divergent, and often surprising, shaping early modern thoughts on philosophy, literature, and the natural sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 209 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Alanna Skuse delves into a groundbreaking exploration of early modern debates surrounding embodiment, encompassing a wide range of surgical alterations such as mastectomy, castration, amputation, and facial reconstruction. These body-altering procedures not only impacted the physical realm but also sparked profound socio-economic and philosophical inquiries. Early modern authors delved into profound questions about the essence of body integrity and its connection to the soul. They wondered if the body was merely a vessel for the mind or an integral part of one's identity. They also grappled with the relationship between the body and personal morality, exploring how the altered body could impact one's moral standing. Furthermore, they pondered the aftermath of these surgeries, particularly what happened to the altered body after death. Skuse's comprehensive analysis draws upon a diverse array of texts, including medical treatises, plays, poems, newspaper reports, and travel writings. By examining these sources, she argues that the responses to these questions were multifaceted, varied, and often unexpected, shaping early modern thoughts on philosophy, literature, and the natural sciences. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core, making it accessible to a wider audience.

ISBN-13: 9781108826181