Title
City of Laughter: Sex and Satire in EighteenthCentury London,Used
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Between 1770 and 1830, London was the world's largest and richest city, the center of hectic social ferment and spectacular sexual liberation. These singular conditions prompted revolutionary modes of thought, novel sensibilities, and constant debate about the relations between men and women. Such an atmosphere also stimulated outrageous behavior, from James Boswell's copulating on Westminster Bridge to the Prince Regent's attempt to seduce a woman by pleading, sobbing, and stabbing himself with a penknife. And nowhere was London's lewdness and iconoclasm more vividly represented than its satire.City of Laughter chronicles the rise and fall of a great tradition of ridicule and of the satirical, humorous, and widely circulated prints that sustained it. Focusing not on the polished wit upon which polite society prided itself, but rather on malicious, sardonic and satirical humorhumor that was bawdy, knowing and ironicVic Gatrell explores what this tradition says about Georgian views of the world and about their own pretensions. Taking the reader into the clubs and taverns where laughter flowed most freely, Gatrell examines how Londoners laughed about sex, scandal, fashion, drink and similar pleasures of life.Combining words and imagesincluding more than 300 original drawings by Cruikshank, Gillray, Rowlandson, and othersCity of Laughter offers a brilliantly original panorama of the era, providing a groundbreaking reappraisal of a period of change and a unique account of the origins of our attitudes toward sex, celebrity and satire today.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'City of Laughter'? A: 'City of Laughter' explores the relationship between sex and satire in Eighteenth-Century London, highlighting how the city's social dynamics influenced humor and artistic expression.
- Q: Who is the author of 'City of Laughter'? A: The book is authored by Vic Gatrell, a historian known for his insights into Georgian society and culture.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: 'City of Laughter' is published in a hardcover format, ensuring durability and a quality feel.
- Q: How many pages are in 'City of Laughter'? A: The book contains 696 pages filled with illustrations and text that delve into the satirical culture of London.
- Q: When was 'City of Laughter' published? A: 'City of Laughter' was published on November 28, 2006.
- Q: Does 'City of Laughter' include illustrations? A: Yes, the book features more than 300 original drawings by artists such as Cruikshank, Gillray, and Rowlandson, enhancing the narrative.
- Q: What makes 'City of Laughter' unique? A: 'City of Laughter' offers a groundbreaking reappraisal of Eighteenth-Century London, focusing on bawdy humor and societal critiques rather than conventional polite wit.
- Q: Is 'City of Laughter' suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book is well-researched and provides valuable insights for those studying history, literature, or cultural studies related to the Eighteenth Century.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from this book? A: Readers will gain an understanding of Georgian views on sexuality, satire, and the social fabric of London during a transformative historical period.
- Q: Is this book part of a series or a standalone work? A: 'City of Laughter' is a standalone work, offering a comprehensive look at its subject matter without being part of a series.