Title Alternative histories of the self : a cultural history of sexuality and secrets, 1762-1917 / Anna Clark

Published London, UK ; New York, NY : Bloomsbury Academic, 2017 ©2017

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Description 1 online resource : illustrations Contents Celebrating or rejecting the unique self -- The Chevalier/e d'Éon: transgender heroine, pugnacious diplomat, or pious lady? -- Secrets and lies: Anne Lister's love for women and the natural self -- Richard Johnson and the imperial self -- James Hinton and the sacrifice of the self -- "Better to be an active devil than a crushed saint": Edith Ellis and the new life Summary "Alternative Histories of the Self investigates how people re-imagined the idea of the unique self in the period from 1762 to 1917. Some used the notion of the unique self to justify their gender and sexual transgression, but others rejected the notion of the unique self and instead demanded the sacrifice of the self for the good of society. The substantial introductory chapter places these themes in the cultural context of the long nineteenth century, but the book as a whole represents an alternative method for studying the self. Instead of focusing on the thoughts of great thinkers, this book explores how five unusual individuals twisted conventional ideas of the self as they interpreted their own lives. These five case studies are skilfully used to explore how the notion of the unique individual was used to make sense of sexual or gender non-conformity. Yet this queer reading will go beyond same-sex desire to analyse the issue of secrets and privacy; for instance, what stigma did men who practiced or advocated unconventional relationships with women incur? Finally, Clark ties these unusual lives to the wider questions of ethics and social justice: did those who questioned sexual conventions challenge political traditions as well? This is a highly innovative study that will be of interest to intellectual historians of modern Britain and Europe, as well as historians of gender and sexuality"-- Provided by publisher Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index Notes Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on February 03, 2022) In OAPEN (Open Access Publishing in European Networks) OAPEN Subject Sex -- Social aspects -- History -- Case studies Gender identity -- History -- Case studies Sexual minorities -- Identity -- History Social psychology -- History -- Case studies Self-perception -- History Gender studies, gender groups. Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900. Memoirs. European history. HISTORY -- Civilization. HISTORY -- Essays. HISTORY -- Reference. HISTORY -- Social History. Gender identity Self-perception Sex -- Social aspects Sexual minorities -- Identity Social psychology Genre/Form Electronic books Case studies History Form Electronic book LC no. 2018025259 ISBN 9781350030664 135003066X 9781350030640 1350030643 9781350030657 1350030651

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