Men and the Emergence of Polite Society, Britain 1660-1800

Nonfiction, History, British
Cover of the book Men and the Emergence of Polite Society, Britain 1660-1800 by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter ISBN: 9781317882251
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 30, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
ISBN: 9781317882251
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 30, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book presents an account of masculinity in eighteenth century Britain. In particular it is concerned with the impact of an emergent polite society on notions of manliness and the gentleman.

From the 1660s a new type of social behaviour, politeness, was promoted by diverse writers. Based on continental ideas of refinement, it stressed the merits of genuine and generous sociability as befitted a progressive and tolerant nation. Early eighteenth century writers encouraged men to acquire the characteristics of politeness by becoming urbane town gentlemen. Later commentators promoted an alternative culture of sensibility typified by the man of feeling. Central to both was the need to spend more time with women, now seen as key agents of refinement. The relationship demanded a reworking of what it meant to be manly.

Being manly and polite was a difficult balancing act. Refined manliness presented new problems for eighteenth century men. What was the relationship between politeness and duplicity? Were feminine actions such as tears and physical delicacy acceptable or not? Critics believed polite society led to effeminacy, not manliness, and condemned this failure of male identity with reference to the fop.

This book reveals the significance of social over sexual conduct for eighteenth century definitions of masculinity. It shows how features traditionally associated with nineteenth century models were well established in the earlier figure of the polite town-dweller or sentimental man of feeling.

Using personal stories and diverse public statements drawn from conduct books, magazines, sermons and novels, this is a vivid account of the changing status of men and masculinity as Britain moved into the modern period.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book presents an account of masculinity in eighteenth century Britain. In particular it is concerned with the impact of an emergent polite society on notions of manliness and the gentleman.

From the 1660s a new type of social behaviour, politeness, was promoted by diverse writers. Based on continental ideas of refinement, it stressed the merits of genuine and generous sociability as befitted a progressive and tolerant nation. Early eighteenth century writers encouraged men to acquire the characteristics of politeness by becoming urbane town gentlemen. Later commentators promoted an alternative culture of sensibility typified by the man of feeling. Central to both was the need to spend more time with women, now seen as key agents of refinement. The relationship demanded a reworking of what it meant to be manly.

Being manly and polite was a difficult balancing act. Refined manliness presented new problems for eighteenth century men. What was the relationship between politeness and duplicity? Were feminine actions such as tears and physical delicacy acceptable or not? Critics believed polite society led to effeminacy, not manliness, and condemned this failure of male identity with reference to the fop.

This book reveals the significance of social over sexual conduct for eighteenth century definitions of masculinity. It shows how features traditionally associated with nineteenth century models were well established in the earlier figure of the polite town-dweller or sentimental man of feeling.

Using personal stories and diverse public statements drawn from conduct books, magazines, sermons and novels, this is a vivid account of the changing status of men and masculinity as Britain moved into the modern period.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Corporate Welfare by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Geographical Information Systems and Computer Cartography by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Research in International Marketing (RLE International Business) by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book The Educator's Guide to Producing New Media and Open Educational Resources by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Painting the Cannon's Roar by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Climate Clever by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book The European City and Green Space by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Sport, Medicine and Health by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Early Voyages and Travels to Russia and Persia by Anthony Jenkinson and other Englishmen by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Arthurian Literature and Christianity by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Labor Before the Industrial Revolution by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Popular Sufism in Eastern Europe by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Leadership and Succession in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and China by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Improving Testing For English Language Learners by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
Cover of the book Community Service Programs in Independent Schools by Philip (Research Editor, New Dictionary Of National Biography) Carter
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy