Faces of Degeneration
A European Disorder, c.1848–1918

This book investigates the specific conception and descent of a language of 'degeneration' from 1848–1918.

Daniel Pick (Author)

9780521457538, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 July 1993

288 pages, 10 b/w illus.
22.7 x 15.3 x 2.3 cm, 0.41 kg

'Dr Pick's study makes a distinguished addition to CUP's series 'Ideas in Context'. Granted the standards already established it would be difficult to offer higher praise.' Michael Biddis, French History

This book investigates the specific conception and descent of a language of 'degeneration' from 1848–1918, with particular reference to France, Italy and England. Daniel Pick shows how in the refraction and wake of evolution and naturalism, new images and theories of atavism, 'degenerescence' and socio-biological decline emerged in European culture and politics. He indicates the wide cultural and political importance of the idea of degeneration, whilst showing that the notion could mean different things at different times in different places.

1. Contexts
Part I. France: 2. Dégénérescence and revolution
3. Zola's prognosis
4. The wake of dégénérescence
Part II. Italy: 5. Lombroso's criminal science
Part III. England: 6. Fictions of degeneration
7. Crime, urban degeneration and national decadence
8. Concluding remarks.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]