Abigail and John Adams : the Americanization of sensibility / G. J. Barker-Benfield.

Author/creator Barker-Benfield, G. J.
Format Book
Publication InfoChicago ; London : The University of Chicago Press, 2010.
Descriptionxi, 501 pages ; 24 cm
Subjects
Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818.
Adams, John, 1735-1826.
Sentimentalism.
United States--Social life and customs. --To 1775.
United States--Social life and customs. --1775-1783.
United States--Social life and customs. --1783-1865.

Contents Origins, definitions, and social circumstances -- The metropolitan sources of the Adamses' views of sensibility -- The meanings of sensibility -- The theory of gendered sensibility -- Social circles and the reformation of female manners -- Young American women enter the world -- Particular applications -- A woman's struggle over sensibility -- Sensibility and reform -- Abigail's perspective, public versus private -- John Adams and the reformation of male manners -- The pleasures and pains of public life -- Private perpetuation -- Raising children with sensibility -- A reformed rake? -- The question answered -- Conclusion -- The Americanization of sensibility.
Abstract Draws on the correspondence between Abigail and John Adams during the American Revolution to explore a relationship threatened by separation, a country in its infancy, and the earliest understandings of what it means to be American.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (p. [437]-490) and index.
LCCN 2010008035
ISBN9780226037431 (cloth : alk. paper)
ISBN0226037436 (cloth : alk. paper)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks E322 .B37 2010 ✔ Available Place Hold