Description

Book Synopsis

Patricia Vicari demonstrates Burton’s control over rhetorical strategies and selection of materials in one of the great prose works of the English Renaissance, The Anatomy of Melancholy.

She argues that Burton’s aim of curing melancholy is both pastoral and therapeutic, since melancholy is both a disease and the state of unregeneracy, but the ultimate authorial presence is that of the preacher trying to bring about conversion. One of his major strategies is to disguise that presence. Throughout much of the book attention is directed toward worldly matters and secular knowledge. The immediate authorial presence therefor is that of ‘Robert the experienced,’ another victim of melancholy, offering the record of his own self-cure as a main persuasive tactic.

Vicari examines the kinds of knowledges that Burton exhibits to the reader in three chapters dealing with nature, God, and man. In each Vicari singles out for more detailed discussion special

The View from Minervas Tower

    Product form

    £25.19

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £27.99 – you save £2.80 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 22 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Eleanor Patricia Vicari


      View other formats and editions of The View from Minervas Tower by Eleanor Patricia Vicari

      Publisher: University of Toronto Press
      Publication Date: 12/15/1989 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9781487585402, 978-1487585402
      ISBN10: 1487585403
      Also in:
      Literary studies: c 1400 to c 1600

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Patricia Vicari demonstrates Burton’s control over rhetorical strategies and selection of materials in one of the great prose works of the English Renaissance, The Anatomy of Melancholy.

      She argues that Burton’s aim of curing melancholy is both pastoral and therapeutic, since melancholy is both a disease and the state of unregeneracy, but the ultimate authorial presence is that of the preacher trying to bring about conversion. One of his major strategies is to disguise that presence. Throughout much of the book attention is directed toward worldly matters and secular knowledge. The immediate authorial presence therefor is that of ‘Robert the experienced,’ another victim of melancholy, offering the record of his own self-cure as a main persuasive tactic.

      Vicari examines the kinds of knowledges that Burton exhibits to the reader in three chapters dealing with nature, God, and man. In each Vicari singles out for more detailed discussion special

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account