Between Two Stools: Scatology and its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift
Zoomicon-zoom-in
Between Two Stools: Scatology and its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift
Between Two Stools: Scatology and its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift

Between Two Stools: Scatology and its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift

By
Peter J. Smith (Author)  

Paperback

Available / dispatched within 1 - 4 weeks

Quantity
Now available in paperback, Between two stools investigates the representation of scatology - humorous, carnivalesque, satirical, damning and otherwise - in English literature from the middle ages to the eighteenth century. Smith contends that the 'two stools' stand for two broadly distinctive attitudes towards scatology. The first is a carnivalesque, merry, even hearty disposition, typified by the writings of Chaucer and Shakespeare. The second is self-disgust, an attitude characterised by withering misanthropy and hypochondria. Smith demonstrates how the combination of high and low cultures manifests the capacity to run canonical and carnivalesque together so that sanctioned and civilised artefacts and scatological humour frequently co-exist in the works under discussion, evidence of an earlier culture's aptitude (now lost) to occupy a position between two stools. Of interest to cultural and literary historians, this ground-breaking study testifies to the arrival of scatology as an academic subject, at the same time recognising that it remains if not outside, then at least at the margins of conventional scholarship. -- . Illustrations, black & white
Peter J. Smith is Reader in Renaissance Literature, Nottingham Trent University -- .
  • Contributor: Peter J. Smith
  • Imprint: Manchester University Press
  • ISBN13: 9780719097614
  • Number of Pages: 304
  • Packaged Dimensions: 138x216x17mm
  • Packaged Weight: 390
  • Format: Paperback
  • Publisher: Manchester University Press
  • Release Date: 2015-06-01
  • Binding: Paperback / softback
  • Biography: Peter J. Smith is Reader in Renaissance Literature, Nottingham Trent 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.