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Curiosity: A Cultural History of Early Modern Inquiry
"Pithy and wide-ranging. . . . This study provides a fresh new lens through which to reinvestigate the whole of early modern English literature."— Library Journal
In this striking social history, Barbara M. Benedict draws on the texts of the early modern period to discover the era's attitudes toward curiosity, a trait we learn was often depicted as an unsavory form of transgression or cultural ambition.
In this striking social history, Barbara M. Benedict draws on the texts of the early modern period to discover the era's attitudes toward curiosity, a trait we learn was often depicted as an unsavory form of transgression or cultural ambition.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
296 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2001
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 15, 2025
Randomly picked this book up at the library. I’d been thinking/writing my substack about Following Curiosity, and lo and behold this book pops up in my sightline as I was sitting in the stacks. It felt fitting. So I of course picked it up.
It is super academic. And detailed. But there are some definite grains/threads to pick up on, on the history of curiosity. It’s various meanings through time— at least through the 17th to early 19th century British gaze and connotation. Curiosity wasn’t always a good thing— and you might argue that some still don’t think it is. But it was an interesting read. An approach to curiosity that I wouldn’t have thought of. And a jumping off point for further discussion on what it means to other fields. The author touches on science and literature and entertainment. As all being grounds for discovering/exploring curiosity and how those involved in those fields are perceived.
Definitely one to check out— but it is an academic text, so it isn’t the easiest of reads.
It is super academic. And detailed. But there are some definite grains/threads to pick up on, on the history of curiosity. It’s various meanings through time— at least through the 17th to early 19th century British gaze and connotation. Curiosity wasn’t always a good thing— and you might argue that some still don’t think it is. But it was an interesting read. An approach to curiosity that I wouldn’t have thought of. And a jumping off point for further discussion on what it means to other fields. The author touches on science and literature and entertainment. As all being grounds for discovering/exploring curiosity and how those involved in those fields are perceived.
Definitely one to check out— but it is an academic text, so it isn’t the easiest of reads.
Displaying 1 of 1 review