Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theory in Early Modern Europe

From the Waldensians to the French Revolution

Nonfiction, History
Cover of the book Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theory in Early Modern Europe by Barry Coward, Julian Swann, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Barry Coward, Julian Swann ISBN: 9781351949484
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Barry Coward, Julian Swann
ISBN: 9781351949484
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

For many generations, Guy Fawkes and his gunpowder plot, the 'Man in the Iron Mask' and the 'Devils of Loudun' have offered some of the most compelling images of the early modern period. Conspiracies, real or imagined, were an essential feature of early modern life, offering a seemingly rational and convincing explanation for patterns of political and social behaviour. This volume examines conspiracies and conspiracy theory from a broad historical and interdisciplinary perspective, by combining the theoretical approach of the history of ideas with specific examples from the period. Each contribution addresses a number of common themes, such as the popularity of conspiracy theory as a mode of explanation through a series of original case studies. Individual chapters examine, for example, why witches, religious minorities and other groups were perceived in conspiratorial terms, and how far, if at all, these attitudes were challenged or redefined by the Enlightenment. Cultural influences on conspiracy theory are also discussed, particularly in those chapters dealing with the relationship between literature and politics. As prevailing notions of royal sovereignty equated open opposition with treason, almost any political activity had to be clandestine in nature, and conspiracy theory was central to interpretations of early modern politics. Factions and cabals abounded in European courts as a result, and their actions were frequently interpreted in conspiratorial terms. By the late eighteenth century it seemed as if this had begun to change, and in Britain in particular the notion of a 'loyal opposition' had begun to take shape. Yet the outbreak of the French Revolution was frequently explained in conspiratorial terms, and subsequently European rulers and their subjects remained obsessed with conspiracies both real and imagined. This volume helps us to understand why.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For many generations, Guy Fawkes and his gunpowder plot, the 'Man in the Iron Mask' and the 'Devils of Loudun' have offered some of the most compelling images of the early modern period. Conspiracies, real or imagined, were an essential feature of early modern life, offering a seemingly rational and convincing explanation for patterns of political and social behaviour. This volume examines conspiracies and conspiracy theory from a broad historical and interdisciplinary perspective, by combining the theoretical approach of the history of ideas with specific examples from the period. Each contribution addresses a number of common themes, such as the popularity of conspiracy theory as a mode of explanation through a series of original case studies. Individual chapters examine, for example, why witches, religious minorities and other groups were perceived in conspiratorial terms, and how far, if at all, these attitudes were challenged or redefined by the Enlightenment. Cultural influences on conspiracy theory are also discussed, particularly in those chapters dealing with the relationship between literature and politics. As prevailing notions of royal sovereignty equated open opposition with treason, almost any political activity had to be clandestine in nature, and conspiracy theory was central to interpretations of early modern politics. Factions and cabals abounded in European courts as a result, and their actions were frequently interpreted in conspiratorial terms. By the late eighteenth century it seemed as if this had begun to change, and in Britain in particular the notion of a 'loyal opposition' had begun to take shape. Yet the outbreak of the French Revolution was frequently explained in conspiratorial terms, and subsequently European rulers and their subjects remained obsessed with conspiracies both real and imagined. This volume helps us to understand why.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Climate Change Mitigation and Agriculture by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book South Africa’s Energy Transition by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Sexing the Groove by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Chinese Feminism Faces Globalization by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Inside the East European Planned Economy by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Representation From Above by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Project Management for the 21st Century by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Learner-Centered English Language Education by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Dynamics In Pacific Asia by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Philosophical Rhetoric by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Colonial Exploitation and Economic Development by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Health and Illness in a Changing Society by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Untying the Knot by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
Cover of the book Advaita Vedanta and Vaisnavism by Barry Coward, Julian Swann
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy