Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London

By Gillian Russell | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

Mid-eighteenth-century London witnessed a major expansion in public culture as a result of a rapidly commercialising society. Of the many sites of entertainment the most celebrated (and often notorious) were the Carlisle House club the Pantheon and the Ladies Club or Coterie. In this major study of these institutions and the fashionable sociability they epitomised Gillian Russell examines how they transformed metropolitan cultural life. Associated with lavish masquerades excesses of fashion such as elaborate hairstyles and scandalous intrigues these venues suggested a feminisation of public life which was profoundly threatening not least to the theatre of the period. In this highly illustrated and original contribution to the cultural history of the eighteenth century Russell reveals fresh perspectives on the theatre and on canonical plays such as The School for Scandal as well as suggesting a prehistory for British Romanticism.

Editions of Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London

Hardcover
ISBN 9780521867320
Paperback
ISBN 9780521147743

Read an Excerpt

Mid-eighteenth-century London witnessed a major expansion in public culture as a result of a rapidly commercialising society. Of the many sites of entertainment the most celebrated (and often notorious) were the Carlisle House club the Pantheon and the Ladies Club or Coterie. In this major study of these institutions and the fashionable sociability they epitomised Gillian Russell examines how they transformed metropolitan cultural life. Associated with lavish masquerades excesses of fashion such as elaborate hairstyles and scandalous intrigues these venues suggested a feminisation of public life which was profoundly threatening not least to the theatre of the period. In this highly illustrated and original contribution to the cultural history of the eighteenth century Russell reveals fresh perspectives on the theatre and on canonical plays such as The School for Scandal as well as suggesting a prehistory for British Romanticism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London about?

Mid-eighteenth-century London witnessed a major expansion in public culture as a result of a rapidly commercialising society. Of the many sites of entertainment the most celebrated (and often notorious) were the Carlisle House club the Pantheon and the Ladies Club or Coterie. In this major study of these institutions and the fashionable sociability they epitomised Gillian Russell examines how they transformed metropolitan cultural life. Associated with lavish masquerades excesses of fashion such as elaborate hairstyles and scandalous intrigues these venues suggested a feminisation of public life which was profoundly threatening not least to the theatre of the period. In this highly illustrated and original contribution to the cultural history of the eighteenth century Russell reveals fresh perspectives on the theatre and on canonical plays such as The School for Scandal as well as suggesting a prehistory for British Romanticism.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London?

The Arts > Performing arts > Theatre studies

Where can I read a sample of Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780521867320

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London?

Gillian Russell

Who is the Publisher of the book Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780521867320) and paperback(ISBN 9780521147743)