The Rise of the Public in Enlightenment Europe (New Approaches to European History) [Paperback]

James Van Horn Melton (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521469694 | ISBN-13: 978-0521469692 | Publication Date: October 22, 2001

James Melton's accessible study examines the rise of "the public" in eighteenth-century Europe. Focusing on England, France, and the German-speaking territories, this is the first critical reassessment of what the philosopher JÜrgen Habermas called the "bourgeois public sphere" of the eighteenth century. Topics include the growing importance of public opinion in political life, transformations of the literary public realm, eighteenth-century authorship, theater publics, and new practices of sociability as they developed in salons, coffeehouses, taverns and Masonic lodges.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Now we have a well-written and conceptually clear account of the new public that arose in the major states of eighteenth-century Europe. ...Melton's book on the public sphere can be recommended for undergraduate teaching, or just as a good place to get graduate students started in the field." The Journal of Interdisciplinary History

"an elegant and thoughtful account of the public and the public sphere in eighteenth-century Europe....Melton has succeeded in encapsulating a vast wealth of scholarship into an engaging and important book." H-FRANCE

"The important contribution of this synthesis is its juxtaposition of recent literatures on France, England, and German-speaking Europe....Undergraduates will grasp the significance of a comparative study ranging from formal and extraordinary politics, public opinion, and publishing to authorship, theater, salons, public drinking, and freemasonary." Choice

"As a survey of contributions about the Enlightenment public in three different countries, the book makes its mark." Sharp News

"Melton excels in showing how some of Haberma's pronouncements are not always applicable; for example, the development of extra-authoritarian or extra-parliamentary discourse is not always oppositional, nor always de-christianizing or secular. Melton's access to sources for German-speaking areas of Europe is especially helpful. " Nancy Vogeley, University of San Francisco Eighteenth Century Studies

Book Description

James Melton's lucid and accessible study examines the rise of 'the public' in eighteenth-century Europe. A work of comparative synthesis focusing on England, France, and the German-speaking territories, this is the first book-length, critical reassessment of what the philosopher JÜrgen Habermas called the 'bourgeois public sphere' of the eighteenth century. Topics include the growing importance of public opinion in political life, transformations of the literary public realm, eighteenth-century authorship, theatre publics, and new practices of sociability as they developed in salons, coffeehouses, taverns and Masonic lodges.

Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521469694
• ISBN-13: 978-0521469692
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #435,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written overview of the public sphere in 18th century Europe, January 25, 2011

By 

S. Smith-Peter (Staten Island, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rise of the Public in Enlightenment Europe (New Approaches to European History) (Paperback)

This is a very clearly written book that gives an overview of the development of the public sphere in 18th century Britain, France and the Germanies. Beginning with a perceptive overview of Habermas' work on the public sphere, he then goes on to give a political historical overview of Britain and France during the 18th century. The British section was of particular interest to me, as I'd never read a clearer exposition of the topic. Then there are thematic chapters on reading publics, including a discussion of literacy, libraries, and novels. The other chapters deal with authors, theater, salons, coffeehouses and taverns, and freemasonry. The role of women is brought in throughout, as one of his arguments is that women were part of the public sphere, albeit all from the educated classes. At the end of each chapter is a very useful list for further reading. The author also knows French and German and is up on the literature. This is an excellent introduction to the topic. Anyone working on this subject would do well to read the book. It could also be used for undergraduate or graduate classes in the humanities.