Trials of the Self : Murder, Mayhem and the Remaking of the Mind, 1750-1830

Manchester University Press

Discover the fascinating history of the modern self with "Trials of the Self: Murder, Mayhem and the Remaking of the Mind, 1750-1830" by Elwin Hofman. This compelling study uniquely connects the histories of murder, enlightenment, prostitution, and sentimentalism to explore how the concept of the self evolved between 1750 and 1830. Hofman argues that the history of the self is deeply intertwined with class dimensions, utilizing criminal court records, interrogations, and witness statements to illustrate this point. The book reveals that an increased emphasis on psychological depth was significant not only for elites but also for common and even illiterate individuals during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Key Features: * Explores the intersection of murder, mayhem, and the formation of the modern mind. * Analyzes class dimensions in the history of the self. * Utilizes primary sources like criminal interrogations and witness statements. * Offers a unique perspective on the evolution of self-perception. This hardcover edition provides 248 pages of insightful historical analysis, published by Manchester University Press in 2021.