Description
Book SynopsisThis 2003 study challenges traditional views of married life in eighteenth-century England. It presents a new picture of power in marriage and the household, and shows also that ideas about adultery and domestic violence evolved during this period, influenced by profound shifts in cultural attitudes about sexuality and violence.
Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'This is a carefully researched book that enriches our understanding of marriage in the long eighteenth century.' Reviews in History
Review of the hardback: '… subtle, rich and humane picture of the realities and practicalities of marriage as lived.' Women's History Magazine
Review of the hardback: '… lively and often trenchant study … Bailey backs up a sensitive reading of texts and contexts with judicious quantification.' History
Review of the hardback: '… wide range of issues … important new book …' Journal of Continuity and Change
Review of the hardback: 'This book successfully meets it's claim to be "a pioneering account of the expectations and experiences of married life among the middle and labouring ranks in the long eighteenth century. ... an excellent analysis of the crazy and changing popular assumptions about male and female bodies which underlines domestic violence. ... full of interesting, minutely researched, historical detail ... a fascinating work for the general reader, and a neccessary work for historians of marriage.' INTAMS
Table of Contents1. Introduction: assessing marriage; 2. 'To have and to hold': analysing married life; 3. 'For better, for worse': resolving marital difficulties; 4. 'An honourable estate': marital roles in the household; 5. 'With all my worldly goods I thee endow': spouses' contributions and possessions within marriage; 6. 'Wilt thou obey him and serve him': the marital power balance; 7. 'Forsaking all other': marital chastity; 8. 'Till death us do part': life after a failed marriage; 9. 'Mutual society, help and comfort': conclusion; Bibliography.
