Second Sight in the Nineteenth Century

Prophecy, Imagination and Nationhood

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, British
Cover of the book Second Sight in the Nineteenth Century by Elsa Richardson, Palgrave Macmillan UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Elsa Richardson ISBN: 9781137519702
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK Publication: June 2, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Elsa Richardson
ISBN: 9781137519702
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication: June 2, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book explores the phenomenon of second sight in nineteenth-century literature and culture. Second sight is a form of prophetic vision associated with the folklore of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Described in Gaelic as the An-da-shealladh or ‘the two sights’, those in possession of this extraordinary power are said to foresee future events like the death of neighbour, the arrival of strangers into the community, the success or failure of a fishing trip. From the late seventeenth century onwards, rumours of this strange faculty attracted the attention of numerous scientists, travel writers, antiquarians, poets and artists. Focusing on the nineteenth century, this book examines second sight in relation to mesmerism and phrenology, modern spiritualism and anthropology, romance literature and folklorism and finally, psychical research and Celtic mysticism. Tracing the migration of a supposedly ‘Scottish’ tradition through various sites of nineteenth-century popular culture, it explores questions of nationhood and identity alongside those posed by supernatural phenomena.

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

This book explores the phenomenon of second sight in nineteenth-century literature and culture. Second sight is a form of prophetic vision associated with the folklore of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Described in Gaelic as the An-da-shealladh or ‘the two sights’, those in possession of this extraordinary power are said to foresee future events like the death of neighbour, the arrival of strangers into the community, the success or failure of a fishing trip. From the late seventeenth century onwards, rumours of this strange faculty attracted the attention of numerous scientists, travel writers, antiquarians, poets and artists. Focusing on the nineteenth century, this book examines second sight in relation to mesmerism and phrenology, modern spiritualism and anthropology, romance literature and folklorism and finally, psychical research and Celtic mysticism. Tracing the migration of a supposedly ‘Scottish’ tradition through various sites of nineteenth-century popular culture, it explores questions of nationhood and identity alongside those posed by supernatural phenomena.

More books from Palgrave Macmillan UK

Cover of the book Global Climate Change Policy and Carbon Markets by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Religion and Public Opinion in Britain by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Making Innovation Last: Volume 1 by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Writing and Producing Television Drama in Denmark by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book The Nordic Model of Social Democracy by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Italian Banking and Financial Law: Regulating Activities by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Jewish Resistance to ‘Romanianization’, 1940-44 by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Interviewing Rape Victims by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Communicating Differences by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Chinese Fatherhood, Gender and Family by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book The Book in Africa by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Deleuze and Buddhism by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book The China-Latin America Axis by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book Paul Tillich's Philosophical Theology by Elsa Richardson
Cover of the book After the Dresden Bombing by Elsa Richardson
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