The Politics of Obscenity in the Age of the Gutenberg Revolution: Obscene Means in Early Modern French and European Print Culture and Literature

The study of obscenity in early modern France and Europe explores how meaning is produced and received in literary, artistic, and social acts of representation and interaction. The Politics of Obscenity examines the implications and impact of obscene representations in relation to the Gutenberg Revolution, which defined Western modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Obscene, a term with profound implications, encompasses a wide range of meanings and interpretations. It delves into the intricate mechanisms through which meaning is produced and received in literary, artistic, and social acts of representation and interaction. In the context of early modern France and Europe, these questions took on heightened significance not only in the realm of political, religious, and artistic reformations, but also in the wake of the profound reconfiguration of their media landscape brought about by the invention of the printing press.

The Politics of Obscenity, a groundbreaking collaborative effort, brings together scholars from Europe and the United States, offering a comprehensive exploration of the profound implications and far-reaching impact of obscene representations in their relationship to the Gutenberg Revolution. This revolutionary event marked the defining moment of Western modernity, shaping the cultural, social, and intellectual landscape for centuries to come.

Within the pages of this insightful book, researchers delve into the intricate tapestry of meanings associated with obscenity. They examine how obscene representations have been used as tools for social critique, political commentary, and artistic expression, challenging the boundaries of what is considered acceptable and unacceptable in society. By exploring the historical, cultural, and societal contexts in which obscene representations emerged and flourished, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between power, ideology, and the representation of the human body.

One of the key themes explored in The Politics of Obscenity is the role of the printing press in shaping the dissemination and reception of obscene representations. The invention of the printing press facilitated the widespread circulation of literature, art, and information, enabling a broader audience to access and engage with these materials. However, it also brought about new challenges and controversies, as obscene representations were now accessible to a wider range of people, including those who may have been previously marginalized or excluded.

The book also examines the ways in which obscene representations have been used to challenge and subvert dominant ideologies and power structures. By challenging the moral and ethical frameworks that govern society, obscene representations have the potential to disrupt the status quo and promote social change. However, they have also been subjected to censorship and repression, as governments and religious institutions sought to control and regulate the spread of obscene material.

Another important aspect of The Politics of Obscenity is the way in which obscene representations have been interpreted and understood by different audiences and cultures. The book explores the diverse ways in which obscenity has been perceived and interpreted across different historical periods, geographical regions, and social classes. It examines the ways in which obscenity has been used as a tool for cultural identity formation, as well as how it has been used to marginalize and oppress certain groups of people.

In conclusion, The Politics of Obscenity is a groundbreaking work that offers scholars of early modern Europe a comprehensive understanding of the implications and impact of obscene representations in their relationship to the Gutenberg Revolution. By exploring the complex interplay between power, ideology, and the representation of the human body, the book sheds light on the ways in which obscenity has shaped the cultural, social, and intellectual landscape of early modern Europe. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in the history, literature, and culture of early modern Europe.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367537531