A Cultural History of the Emotions in the Baroque and Enlightenment Age

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of emotional cultures during the Baroque and Enlightenment periods, revealing their impact on society and historical narratives.

The book A Cultural History of the Emotions in the Baroque and Enlightenment Age delves into the evolving understanding of emotions during a transformative period in history. The term 'emotion' began to gain traction in the Baroque and Enlightenment eras, marking a shift from its earlier connotations of physical agitation to a more nuanced understanding of mental feelings. Despite this evolution, traditional terms such as 'passions' and 'affections' remained prevalent, influencing how society approached feelings and their broader implications across various domains, including religion, politics, and morality.

Through a series of insightful essays, A Cultural History of the Emotions in the Baroque and Enlightenment Age explores the emotional cultures of the time, allowing for comparative discussions regarding the history of emotions. The authors examine how these emotional landscapes shaped and were shaped by significant historical events, such as revolutions, state-building efforts, and the rise of the public sphere. This exploration provides a fresh perspective on well-established narratives of the period, highlighting the importance of emotions in understanding cultural transformations.

As a pioneering work in the field of emotions research, this book serves as a thematic reference that invites readers to rethink the complexities of emotional experiences during the Baroque and Enlightenment age. It emphasizes the significance of emotions in shaping human experiences and societal developments, suggesting that the study of emotions is just beginning to uncover a much larger historical narrative.