Physiognomy and the Meaning of Expression in Nineteenth-Century Culture
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Physiognomy and the Meaning of Expression in Nineteenth-Century Culture by Lucy Hartley
In Physiognomy and the Meaning of Expression in Nineteenth-Century Culture, first published in 2001, Lucy Hartley examines the emergence of physiognomy as a form of popular science. Physiognomy posited an understanding of the inner meaning of human character from observations of physical appearances, usually facial expressions. Taking the physiognomical teachings of Johann Caspar Lavater as a starting-point, Hartley considers the extent to which attempts to read the mind and judge character through expression can provide descriptions of human nature. She argues that the writings of Charles Bell, and the Pre-Raphaelites establish the significance of the physiognomical tradition for the study of expression whilst also preparing the ground for the rise of new doctrines for the expression of emotion by Alexander Bain and Herbert Spencer. She then demonstrates how the evolutionary explanation of expression proposed by Spencer and Charles Darwin is both the outcome of the physiognomical tradition and the reason for its dissolution.
"Hartley develops the significant point that physiognomical theories exquisitely reflect as well as motivate many aspects of cultureHistorical studies such as hers thereby contribute to our understanding of human nature and experience within the context of modern Western history." Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
"Hartley makes her case elegantly and concisely." Bulletin of the History of Medicine
"Effectively demonstrates the tentacular reach of physiognomy within Victorian culture." Studies in English Literature
"This lucidly-written and useful book amply demonstrates how the blindnesses of physiognomy still offer insights into the nineteenth century and beyond." Wordsworth Circle
"Hartley makes her case elegantly and concisely." Bulletin of the History of Medicine
"Effectively demonstrates the tentacular reach of physiognomy within Victorian culture." Studies in English Literature
"This lucidly-written and useful book amply demonstrates how the blindnesses of physiognomy still offer insights into the nineteenth century and beyond." Wordsworth Circle
Lucy Hartley is Lecturer in English at the University of Southampton.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780521022422 |
| ISBN 10 | 0521022428 |
| Title | Physiognomy and the Meaning of Expression in Nineteenth-Century Culture |
| Author | Lucy Hartley |
| Series | Cambridge Studies In Nineteenth-Century Literature And Culture |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Year published | 2006-01-19 |
| Number of pages | 260 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |