The Victorian Eye: A Political History of Light and Vision in Britain, 1800-1910
By
Chris Otter (Author)
Paperback
Available / dispatched within 1 - 4 weeks
Quantity
Description
During the nineteenth century, Britain became the first gaslit society, with electric lighting arriving in 1878. At the same time, the British government significantly expanded its power to observe and monitor its subjects. How did such enormous changes in the way people saw and were seen affect Victorian culture?To answer that question, Chris Otter mounts an ambitious history of illumination and vision in Britain, drawing on extensive research into everything from the science of perception and lighting technologies to urban design and government administration. He explores how light facilitated such practices as safe transportation and private reading, as well as institutional efforts to collect knowledge. And he contends that, contrary to presumptions that illumination helped create a society controlled by intrusive surveillance, the new radiance often led to greater personal freedom and was integral to the development of modern liberal society.The Victorian Eye's innovative interdisciplinary approach - and generous illustrations - will captivate a range of readers interested in the history of modern Britain, visual culture, technology, and urbanization.
About the Author
Chris Otter is assistant professor of modern European history at the Ohio State University.
More Details
- Contributor: Chris Otter
- Imprint: University of Chicago Press
- ISBN13: 9780226640778
- Number of Pages: 392
- Packaged Dimensions: 17x23x2mm
- Packaged Weight: 624
- Format: Paperback
- Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
- Release Date: 2008-11-07
- Binding: Paperback / softback
- Biography: Chris Otter is assistant professor of modern European history at the Ohio State University.
Delivery Options
Home Delivery
Store Delivery
Free Returns
We hope you are delighted with everything you buy from us. However, if you are not, we will refund or replace your order up to 30 days after purchase. Terms and exclusions apply; find out more from our Returns and Refunds Policy.