The Dome of Thought: Phrenology and the Nineteenth-Century Popular Imagination

The Dome of Thought is the first study of phrenology based on popular appreciation rather than medical knowledge. It provides insight into the Victorian public's understanding of the techniques, assumptions, and implications of defining a person's character by the bumps on their skull, highly relevant to the study of authors such as Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The Dome of Thought is a groundbreaking exploration of phrenology, a pseudoscience that gained widespread popularity in the nineteenth century. This book delves into the realm of phrenology, examining its techniques, assumptions, and implications in defining a person's character based on the bumps on their skull. Through extensive reference to popular newspapers from the early years of the nineteenth century to the fin de siècle, the author offers a unique insight into the Victorian public's understanding of this controversial science.

Phrenology, as studied in The Dome of Thought, played a significant role in the fiction of numerous authors, including Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot. These authors were influenced by the imagery and symbolism associated with phrenology, and their works reflect the prevailing beliefs and attitudes of the time. By examining the reports printed in popular newspapers, the book sheds light on how the public perceived phrenology and its impact on their understanding of human behavior and personality.

The Dome of Thought is an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of nineteenth-century popular and literary culture. It provides a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and intellectual landscape of the era, offering insights into the beliefs, values, and anxieties of the Victorian period. Literary scholars will find the book particularly useful in exploring the relationship between phrenology and literature, while medical historians will appreciate its contribution to the history of medicine and science. Moreover, the general reader will be captivated by the fascinating stories and anecdotes that illustrate the impact of phrenology on everyday life.

In conclusion, The Dome of Thought is a pioneering study that offers a fresh perspective on phrenology and its significance in nineteenth-century culture. Through its detailed analysis of popular newspapers and the fiction of influential authors, the book provides a rich and comprehensive understanding of the Victorian public's fascination with this pseudoscience. Whether you are a scholar, historian, or simply interested in the cultural and intellectual history of the nineteenth century, this book is a must-read.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526143723