Melancholy experience in literature of the long eighteenth century [Elektronisk resurs] Before depression, 1660-1800 / Allan Ingram [et al.].

• Acknowledgements Author Biographies Introduction: Depression Before Depression-- A.Ingram & S.Sim Fashionable Melancholy-- C.Lawlor Philosophical Melancholy-- R.Terry 'Strange contrarys': Figures of Melancholy in Eighteenth-Century Poetry-- J.Baker Despair, Melancholy and the Novel-- S.Sim Melancholy, Medicine, Mad Moon and Marriage: Autobiographical Expressions of Depression-- L.Wetherall-Dickson Deciphering Difference: A Study in Medical Literacy-- A.Ingram Bibliography Index.

• Arising from a research project on depression in the eighteenth century, this book discusses the experience of depressive states both in terms of existing modes of thought and expression, and of attempts to describe and live with suffering. It also asks what present-day society can learn about depression from the eighteenth-century experience. -- This book arises out of a major research project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, on depression in the eighteenth century. It discusses the experience of depressive states both in terms of existing modes of thought and expression, and in terms of individual attempts to describe and live with suffering. Different chapters, each by an authority in the field, look at depression, or, in the terms of the time, melancholy, spleen and hypochondria, as it is reflected in medical writing, philosophical writing, poetry, in the novel and in autobiographical writing, this last based on material which is currently unpublished. The book concludes by comparing eighteenth-century medical practice with contemporary structures for treating the depressed, and by asking what present-day society can learn about depression and its treatment from the experience of this previous era. 
• 'The studies that make up Melancholy Experience show how integral and dynamic medical and literary writing can be when read together. Judiciously chosen texts from a range of genres, by major figures and anonymous authors, demonstrate the wealth of perspectives offered by the history of melancholy on such topics as sex, religion, and creativity, as well as the condition itself. The book maintains a sense of conviction that the records left by sufferers and those who cared for them in the long eighteenth century are valuable for those who suffer now and those who wish to help. It is a fine example of such cross-era juxtaposition done conscientiously and constructively. Perhaps the strongest and most unique feature of this work is the humaneness of its scholarship, which causes the reader to share the deep interest and compassion the authors evidently feel for their subjects.' - Tristanne Connolly, Assistant Professor of English, St. Jerome's University, University of Waterloo, Canada. 

Ämnesord

Melancholy in literature.  (LCSH)

Literature, Modern  -- History and criticism -- 18th century. (LCSH)

Literature.  (eflch)

Klassifikation

LIT (ämneskategori)

809.93353 (DDC)