Syphilis and Subjectivity

From the Victorians to the Present

Lorenzo Servitje editor Kari Nixon editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Springer International Publishing AG

Published:11th Jan '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Syphilis and Subjectivity cover

This book demystifies the cultural work of syphilis from the late nineteenth century to the present. By interrogating the motivations that engender habits of belief, thought, and conduct regarding the disease and notions of the self, this interdisciplinary volume investigates constructions of syphilis that had a significant role in shaping modern subjectivity. Chapters draw from a variety of scholarly methods, such as cultural and literary studies, sociology, and anthropology. Authors unravel the representations and influence of syphilis in various cultural forms: cartography, medical writings, literature, historical periodicals, and contemporary popular discourses such as internet forums and electronic news media.
Exploring the ways syphilitic rhetoric responds to, generates, or threatens social systems and cultural capital offers a method by which we can better understand the geographies of blame that are central to the conceptual heritage of the disease. This unique volume will appeal to students and scholars in the medical humanities, medical sociology, the history of medicine, and Victorian and modernist studies.

“Professional historians of medicine (particularly of 20th century medicine) will be interested in this book thanks to its methodological approach, relying on a broad range of sources (including internet forums). Interest in the book goes beyond, as it will serve as a basis for a reflection on the conceptualization of the disease (scientific and medical, as well as societal, literary, and imaginary). This book is a key read in modern medicine rather than just history of medicine.” (Alain Touwaide, Doody's Book Reviews, March, 2018)

ISBN: 9783319663661

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 454g

188 pages

1st ed. 2018