The Athenaeum

Name: The Athenaeum
Brand: Unknown
SKU: 9780300246773
Price: 95.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

More Than Just Another London Club

By Michael Wheeler

Summary

The Athenaeum by Michael Wheeler delves into the intricate history of one of London's most prominent intellectual and cultural clubs. The book explores the club's founding in the early 19th century, tracing its evolution and impact on society as a gathering place for influential figures. Wheeler brings to life the vibrant atmosphere of the Athenaeum, highlighting its role in shaping intellectual and cultural discourse.
Read More

Format: Hardback

$95⁹⁹

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

The Athenaeum

$95⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the intricate history of cultural and intellectual societies. It delves into how one such society played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic and literary landscape. This might be perfect for those interested in exploring the interplay between historical contexts and cultural development.

Description

A compelling history of the famous London club and its members’ impact on Britain’s scientific, creative, and official life

When it was founded in 1824, the Athenæum broke the mould. Unlike in other preeminent clubs, its members were chosen on the basis of their achievements rather than on their background or political affiliation. Public rather than private life dominated the agenda.

The club, with its tradition of hospitality to conflicting views, has attracted leading scientists, writers, artists, and intellectuals throughout its history, including Charles Darwin and Matthew Arnold, Edward Burne-Jones and Yehudi Menuhin, Winston Churchill and Gore Vidal.

This book is not presented in the traditional, insular style of club histories, but devotes attention to the influence of Athenians on the scientific, creative, and official life of the nation. From the unwitting recruitment of a Cold War spy to the welcome admittance of women, this lively and original account explores the corridors and characters of the club; its wider political, intellectual, and cultural influence; and its recent reinvention.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Michael Wheeler's book offers an elegant and authoritative account of the Athenaeum, highlighting its influence on public life rather than just its club history. Critics appreciate its comprehensive documentation, engaging narrative, and rich illustrations. Reviewers commend Wheeler for portraying the intellectual and cultural impact of its members over two centuries, capturing the institution's role at the heart of Britain’s intellectual and social history.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300246773

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 22 September 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 37 color + 2 b-w illus.

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 165.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 440

Collections

European History History & Archaeology History & Military Michael Wheeler Non-Fiction

About the Author

Michael Wheeler was director of the project to build the Ruskin Library at Lancaster University and is now a Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton. Among his books are Heaven, Hell, and the Victorians and Ruskin’s God.