Reviews for The Rhetoric of Sensibility in Eighteenth-Century Culture

The average rating for The Rhetoric of Sensibility in Eighteenth-Century Culture based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2010-03-01 00:00:00 Ali Zomera One of the better overviews of the period I've read - remarkably sophisticated in its account of overlooked and somewhat disreputable figures (Orator Henley, Thomas Sheridan, the Methodist Enthusiasts) who nonetheless were a huge part of the celebrity culture of 18th Century rhetoric. I'm not sure if I buy his thesis - which hinges on the centrality of the body over the speech itself. My own work tries to place the figure of the speaker, however disembodied, almost in spite of his physical attributes (even in the elocutionary movements Goring educated me on) - that, if anything, speech itself tried to distance itself from more suspect agenda associated with the sinful flesh. But I think this will end up playing a part in my dissertation, mainly for his recognition that the middle class audience who bought the sentimental novels of the period were also fixated by public displays of oratory. Good stuff.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-08-07 00:00:00 Gregory S Karmel This book serves as a good seminar in general English studies. The author keeps a light tone throughout, but also incorporates examples that add insight to the topics he discusses. I recommend it for any who want a brief overview of directions they could go in studying the subject.