A collection of essays on the Edwardian Age based on texts written at that time.
I. On the Character of the Edwardian Age
II. On J. B. Priestley: The Excesses of Edwardian High Society
III. On Paul Thompson: Sidney Ford (lower middle class, London)
IV. On Vita Sackville-West: Parties and Meals: A Helpful Routine
V. Conclusion
At first glance it seems ridiculous speaking of an ‘age’ when the period that has to be given a name did not last any longer than ten years. However those ten years which all of the three authors write about, truly deserve this attribute although it appears as rather “dull” compared to the period before, namely the reign of Victoria (Porter, p. 128), a hectic and heroic age when battles were fought and won and frontiers were pushed forward. The term Edwardian Age does not only stand for the reign of Edward, but also for a very special place in British history which marks the changeover from the old to the modern British society. It is associated with a huge number of political and social developments. The question all of the three texts try to answer is whether the Edwardian Age should be regarded as a golden age or as an age of crisis, which has obviously been discussed since the era itself. In fact, there are reasons to define the Edwardian Age with both of these terms...
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. On the Character of the Edwardian Age
- II. On J. B. Priestley: The Excesses of Edwardian High Society
- III. On Paul Thompson: Sidney Ford (lower middle class, London)
- IV. On Vita Sackville-West: Parties and Meals: A Helpful Routine
- V. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The text aims to explore the character of the Edwardian Age, examining its social, political, and cultural features. It analyzes the era's complexities, questioning whether it should be regarded as a golden age or an age of crisis. The text investigates the excesses of Edwardian high society, focusing on its unique lifestyle, food culture, and fashion trends.
- The character of the Edwardian Age
- The excesses of Edwardian high society
- The lifestyle and attitudes of the upper classes
- The role of food and fashion in social distinction
- The changing social order and its impact on society
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter examines the Edwardian Age, analyzing the perspectives of various historians. It explores the era's social and political dynamics, highlighting both its prosperous aspects and its signs of decline. The second chapter focuses on J.B. Priestley's observations of Edwardian high society, exploring its extravagant lifestyle, particularly its food and fashion culture. It delves into the motivations behind these excesses, emphasizing the desire for distinction and social dominance. The remaining chapters, excluding the conclusion, will likely delve deeper into specific aspects of Edwardian society, examining the experiences of different social groups and highlighting the impact of key events and trends on daily life.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The text focuses on key terms and concepts such as the Edwardian Age, high society, social order, excess, food culture, fashion, and social distinction. It analyzes historical developments, societal trends, and the attitudes and experiences of different social classes during this period. The text examines the role of wealth, power, and social mobility in shaping the Edwardian era.
- Quote paper
- Karsten Keuchler (Author), 2006, The Edwardians and Their Culture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/160991
