Altered States: Sex, Nation, Drugs, and Self-Transformation in Victorian Spiritualism (SUNY Series, Studies in the Long Nineteenth Century)
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| Title | : | Altered States: Sex, Nation, Drugs, and Self-Transformation in Victorian Spiritualism (SUNY Series, Studies in the Long Nineteenth Century) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.89 (816 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0791467392 |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 233 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2006-07-01 |
| Genre | : |
Altered States examines the rise of Spiritualism the religion of seances, mediums, and ghostly encounters in the Victorian period and the role it played in undermining both traditional female roles and the rhetoric of imperialism. Focusing on a particular kind of seance event the full-form materialization and the bodies of the young, female mediums who performed it, Marlene Tromp argues that in the altered state of the seance new ways of understanding identity and relationships became possible. This not only demonstrably shaped the thinking of the Spiritualists, but also the popular consciousness of the period. In diaries, letters, newspaper accounts, scientific reports, and popular fiction, Tromp uncovers evidence that the radical views presented in the faith permeated and influenced mainstream Victorian thought."
Editorial : "Tromp asks why Spiritualism mattered and what effects it produced, and she answers these questions on the basis of primary research and careful attention to the Victorian cultural web. She showcases what in so many places are very exciting, very well articulated, and very new ideas with significant bearing on Victorian cultural studies as a whole."
"Tromp makes a good case for the wide-ranging import of Victorian Spiritualism; as she sees Spiritualism, it provides a fulcrum for fraught Victorian ideologies of sexuality, imperialism, intoxicants, and gender roles. Like our own ghosts, those of the Victorians nestle at the heart of their culture's phobias and hopes, and Tramp's enlightening study unveils their devious power."
Much of it is as enjoyable as a good history book, and Kinsman makes his love of "private science" (the individual thought processes by which scientists make their discoveries) apparent. I only wish I had known about this book six months earlier! We're attempting to build a period-inspired colonial house. Also presented are fascinating outlines of current disputes as to his true origins as well as where his bones are currently located. The reader is constantly told how tired these two young guys are in every single chapter. I have re-read it just to write this review.
It is a rare mathematical treat indeed, as it seamlessly and painlessly introduces a very complex topic with ease and grace; and then it gradually ascends to rather incredible mathematical complexity. A fascinating read.. Still will try a couple more of the authors work though.. A must for anyone who is interested in the story and development of the F-117A. Thank-you Bill for letting Shelly into your life and t
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