The Making of the Modern Self

Rating:
Summary: A landmark work of cultural history
Review: Wahrman's book is a tour de force, an astonishingly creative work of cultural history. He convincingly shows that a radical shift occurred in British presentations of identity around 1780. The specificity with which he dates the shift in British notions of gender and race seems preposterous at first. But Wahrman supports this claim with evidence drawn from what appears to be a reading of every book published in Britain in the eighteenth century (and a fair number published in America). Warhman's work will fuel historical debate for years to come. But it's especially remarkable for being written in a gripping and accessible manner. Not only professional historians but lay readers as well should flock to this book.