Encyclopedia of Frivolity: The Subtle Art of Not Taking Life Seriously
Encyclopedia of Frivolity: The Subtle Art of Not Taking Life Seriously
29.99 €
Bright clothes, sparkling laughter, fleeting beauty, and the endless pursuit of instant pleasure—we are all familiar with frivolity. Condemned and celebrated, it has been a faithful companion of man from antiquity to the present day. The Catholic Church saw it as a mortal sin, distracting from thoughts of salvation, while great philosophers—Voltaire and Montaigne—considered it a divine gift, saving from fear and despair. Finally, a touch of frivolity distinguishes perhaps every style icon we revere to this day, from Twiggy to Brigitte Bardot.
Immersed in the gallant celebrations of the 18th century, you will discover how the aristocracy elevated frivolity to the rank of an art form, and the paintings of Watteau and Fragonard celebrated its sensual grace. Why was it traditionally considered a "feminine" trait, and how did revolutionary morality combat it? Influential historian of emotions and everyday life Sabine Melchior-Bonnet masterfully demonstrates how the desire for play, grace, and coquetry not only survived wars and revolutions but also became an integral part of the modern world, where the cult of consumerism and instant gratification reigns. This is a profound study of how humanity learned to balance the futility of existence with the thirst for happiness—and how to defend one's personal right to small joys.
Immersed in the gallant celebrations of the 18th century, you will discover how the aristocracy elevated frivolity to the rank of an art form, and the paintings of Watteau and Fragonard celebrated its sensual grace. Why was it traditionally considered a "feminine" trait, and how did revolutionary morality combat it? Influential historian of emotions and everyday life Sabine Melchior-Bonnet masterfully demonstrates how the desire for play, grace, and coquetry not only survived wars and revolutions but also became an integral part of the modern world, where the cult of consumerism and instant gratification reigns. This is a profound study of how humanity learned to balance the futility of existence with the thirst for happiness—and how to defend one's personal right to small joys.
See also:
- All books by the publisher
- All books by the author
- All books in the series Library of Everyday Life