Description
Book SynopsisIn France, both political culture and theatrical performances have drawn upon melodrama. This "melodramatic thread" helped weave the country's political life as it moved from monarchy to democracy. By examining the relationship between public ceremonies and theatrical performance, the author sheds light on democratization in modern France.
Trade Review"Lehning’s application of the themes of melodrama to French political culture offers new insights into French history. His style is livelyclear, and highly readable." —Venita Datta, Wellesley College
"In this thoroughly researched and persuasive book, Lehning (history, Univ. of Utah) provides a fascinating reading of public performances in modern France.... This is an important contribution to the study of French culture and the democratization process.... Essential." —Choice
"The analyses in this book make a real contribution to debates about the ways in which art, particularly popular art, and politics interact; how politics itself is theatrical in the French case; and the role of ritual in politics and the function of politics as ritual and ceremony." —John Gaffney, Aston University, European History Quarterly, Vol. 40 No.3 2010
"Short books on large subjects are often stimulating to read and critique, and Lehning's falls into that category." —Sarah Maza, Northwestern University, JOURNAL OF MODERN HISTORY, Vol. 81.3 Sept. 2009
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
2. Varieties of Performance in Nineteenth-Century Paris
3. Boulevard Spectacles of the Third Republic
4. Spectacles of Light and Darkness between the World Wars
5. Commercial Spectacles in Postwar Paris
6. Conclusion
Selected Bibliography
Index
