The Victorian World: Facts and Fictions

(Hardback)

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Description

An introduction to the myths and realities of the history of Victorian Britain, with accompanying primary sources. While the Victorian era captivates many today, much of what people believe about the Victorian world is actually false. This book looks at nine specific myths about Victorian Britain, explaining how the myths perpetuated and then showing why they are inaccurate. Coverage spans 18301914, from shortly before Victoria's reign to World War I. The book is organized in three sections, beginning with social issues, then cultural ones, and ending with politics and war. The social sections pull in the reader by discussing the most common myths about the Victorianstheir sexual prudery, strict gender roles, and infamous views of the familywhile offering counterpoints to the myths. The cultural section moves into humor, criminal justice issues, and race, and the political section caps the book with discussions of the Industrial Revolution, foreign affairs, and war. Included are a large number of primary source documents showing how the misconceptions became popular, along with evidence for what scholars now believe to be the truths behind the myths.

Reviews

This book will provide background not only on the Victorians but also suggest information about the countries that made up the United Kingdom, especially Wales and Ireland, and it explains the challenges facing social classes of the UK. Recommended for persons and institutions who would like a non-traditional view of Victorian Britain. * Booklist *
Any library with readers interested in the world of 19th-century Great Britain should certainly consider adding this book to their collection. Its organization and clarity will appeal to a wide range of readers. * ARBA *

Author Bio

Ginger S. Frost is university research professor of history at Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama. She is author of four books about Victorian England.