During the nineteenth century, Britain became the first gaslit society, with electric lighting arriving in 1878. At the same time, the British government significantly expanded its power to observe and monitor its subjects. How did such enormous changes in the way people saw and were seen affect Victorian culture?To answer that question, Chris Otter mounts an ambitious history of illumination and vision in Britain, drawing on extensive research into everything from the science of perception and lighting technologies to urban design and government administration. He explores how light facilitated such practices as safe transportation and private reading, as well as institutional efforts to collect knowledge. And he contends that, contrary to presumptions that illumination helped create a society controlled by intrusive surveillance, the new radiance often led to greater personal freedom and was integral to the development of modern liberal society.The Victorian Eye's innovative interdisciplinary approach - and generous illustrations - will captivate a range of readers interested in the history of modern Britain, visual culture, technology, and urbanization.

About the Author
Chris Otter is assistant professor of modern European history at the Ohio State University.


Book Information
ISBN 9780226640778
Author Chris Otter
Format Paperback
Page Count 392
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 624g
Dimensions(mm) 23mm * 17mm * 2mm