Understanding the Victorians

by Susie Steinbach

Understanding the Victorians paints a vivid portrait of this era of dramatic change, combining broad survey with close analysis and introducing students to the critical debates taking place among historians today. Encompassing all of Great Britain and Ireland over the whole of the Victorian period, it gives prominence to social and cultural topics alongside politics and economics and emphasises class, gender, and racial and imperial positioning as constitutive of human relations. This second edition is fully updated throughout, containing a new chapter on leisure in the Victorian period, the most recent historiographical research in Victorian Studies, and enhanced coverage of imperialism and working-class life. Starting with the Queen Caroline Affair in 1820 and coming up to the start of World War I in 1914, Susie L. Steinbach uses thematic chapters to discuss and evaluate topics such as politics, imperialism, the economy, class, gender, the monarchy, arts and entertainment, religion, sexuality, religion, and science. There are also three chapters on space, consumption, and the law, topics rarely covered at this introductory level. With a clear introduction outlining the key themes of the period, a detailed timeline, and suggestions for further reading and relevant internet resources, this is the ideal companion for all students of the nineteenth century.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Academic, Read For School

362 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2011

Reviews

[royaevereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

As you would expect with a textbook, I found some chapters more interesting than others. A good overview but probably not a book I’d recommend to anyone who doesn’t “have” to read it for class.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally a good place to start when learning about Victorians. Steinbach can be confusing sometimes, and seems to get lost in her own thought process. Though she can digress, this is a good map of the period. Some chapters are a little more dry than others, but that is really dependent upon the reader's interests.
Happy reading!

[Filip Olšovský · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, well divided into chapters and at its best when it confronts the most common (and often untrue) narratives of the Victorian period.

[Scott Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the Victorians.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great introduction to the Victorians. writing style is concise yet enjoyable to read.

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so I had to read this book for a book review which is 25% of my final grade so no surprises it was quite boring. Bits were interesting and if i get a good grade I will up the rating so stay tuned for that

[H. Anne Stoj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview of Victorian society. I particularly liked that each chapter had suggested reading, though I'm not sure why the section on art listed only three novels.