Transnational Modernity in Southern Europe: Women's Periodicals and Salon Culture (1860-1920)

This book explores women's editorial and salon activities in Southern Europe and argues that they used their double role to engage with foreign cultures, launch the careers of young authors, and advocate for modernization and social change. It examines a neglected body of periodicals edited between 1860 and 1920 and seeks to understand how women editors used their periodicals and salons to promote cross-cultural exchange and promote modernization and social progress.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the vibrant world of women's editorial and salon activities in Southern Europe, offering a comprehensive comparative analysis of their practices. It argues that women in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece capitalized on their dual roles as editors and salonnières to engage deeply with foreign cultures, nurture the careers of emerging young authors, and advocate for modernization and social change. By examining a previously overlooked corpus of periodicals published between 1860 and 1920, this book seeks to unravel the intricate editorial agendas of women and their fascination with establishing a symbiotic relationship between salon life and the print press.

The purpose behind this connection becomes evident as the book explores how women editors utilized their periodicals and salons to create opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. It sheds light on their strategic efforts to bridge the gap between different cultural spheres, fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse communities. Women editors played a pivotal role in promoting modernization and social progress in Southern Europe by leveraging their authoritative positions and networks. Through their periodicals, they disseminated information, ideas, and opinions, challenging traditional norms and advocating for women's rights, education, and social emancipation.

Furthermore, the book challenges the center-periphery model by highlighting Southern European counties as cultural hubs in their own right. It emphasizes the significance of these regions in shaping European modernity and their contributions to the broader intellectual and artistic landscape. By engaging with the practices of women editors and salonnières, this monograph not only expands our understanding of nineteenth and twentieth-century periodicals but also provides fertile ground for theoretical reflection on European modernity. It invites scholars and non-specialist readers alike to question the established narratives and consider Southern Europe as a vibrant and dynamic center of cultural exchange.

In conclusion, this book offers a rich and insightful exploration of women's editorial and salon activities in Southern Europe, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping cultural and social landscapes. It contributes to the growing body of scholarship on nineteenth and twentieth-century periodicals and invites us to reevaluate our understanding of European modernity by recognizing the significant contributions of women and their communities.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 227 x 153 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032074900