Decadence: A Very Short Introduction - A Comprehensive Guide

Decadence is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been used to describe a wide range of phenomena, from the decline of civilizations to the corruption of morals. In this Very Short , Peter Nicholls provides a concise and accessible overview of the concept of decadence, its origins, manifestations, and impact on society.

Decadence: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

by David Weir

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1698 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	154 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Nicholls begins by exploring the origins of the term "decadence" in the late 19th century. He argues that decadence was first used as a term of abuse by critics to describe the work of writers and artists who were seen as challenging traditional values and conventions. However, Nicholls also shows that decadence was embraced by some as a positive force, a way of escaping from the constraints of bourgeois society.

Nicholls goes on to discuss the various manifestations of decadence in literature, art, and music. He shows how decadents sought to create a new kind of beauty that was often characterized by its strangeness, ambiguity, and eroticism. He also discusses the relationship between decadence and other artistic movements, such as aestheticism, symbolism, and Art Nouveau.

In the final chapter, Nicholls examines the impact of decadence on society. He argues that decadence played a significant role in the development of modernism and that it continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration today.

Peter Nicholls is a Professor of English at the University of Sussex. He is the author of numerous books on literature and culture, including Modernisms: A Literary Guide and The Science in Science Fiction.

The Very Short s series from Oxford University Press provides concise and accessible overviews of a wide range of subjects. Written by experts in their fields, these books are designed to provide readers with a solid grounding in a particular topic. They are also a great way to brush up on your knowledge or learn about a new subject.

If you are interested in learning more about decadence, then I highly recommend Peter Nicholls' Very Short . It is a clear, concise, and informative overview of a complex and fascinating topic.

Image Gallery

Further Reading

• Decadence: A Literary History by Alex Zwerdling
• The Decadent Movement in Literature by Arthur Symons
• The Symbolist Movement in Literature by Arthur Symons
• Art Nouveau by Robert Schmutzler
• Fin-de-Siècle: Art and Culture in the Late Nineteenth Century by Peter Gay

Decadence: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

by David Weir

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1698 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	154 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE