Mary Fairclough Bücher

Exploring the science of electricity during the long eighteenth century, this book delves into its representation in literary and political texts. Celebrated as a symbol of progress, electricity's enigmatic nature sparked debates on body and soul, sexual attraction, and revolutionary ideas. The study highlights the dual portrayal of electricity as both a tangible force and a metaphorical concept, examining contributions from figures like Mary Robinson and Mary Shelley. It reveals how practitioners sought to demystify electricity while employing its language in diverse contexts.

Exploring the instinctive behavior of crowds, this study delves into how Romantic period literary writers interpreted and portrayed collective human actions. It examines the interplay between individual and crowd psychology, highlighting the unique perspectives of various authors. By analyzing their works, the book reveals insights into societal dynamics and the emotional undercurrents that influence group behavior, offering a nuanced understanding of the era's literary landscape.

The book analyses attempts by both elite and popular practitioners of electricity to elucidate the mysteries of electricity, and traces the figurative uses of electrical language in the works of writers including Mary Robinson, Edmund Burke, Erasmus Darwin, John Thelwall, Mary Shelley and Richard Carlile.