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A History of Silence
From the Renaissance to the Present Day
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A History of Silence
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Description
Silence is not simply the absence of noise. It is within us, in the inner citadel that great writers, thinkers, scholars and people of faith have cultivated over the centuries.
It characterises our most intimate and sacred spaces, from private bedrooms to grand cathedrals β those vast reservoirs of silence. Philosophers and novelists have long sought solitude and inspiration in mountains and forests. Yet despite the centrality of silence to some of our most intense experiences, the transformations of the twentieth century have gradually diminished its value.
Today, raucous urban spaces and a continual bombardment from different media pressure us into constant activity. We are losing a sense of our inner selves, a process that is changing the very nature of the individual.
A History of Silence rediscovers the wonder of silence and, with this, a richer experience of life. With his predilection for the elusive, Corbin calls us to listen to another history.
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?
A History of Silence by Alain Corbin is acclaimed for its imaginative exploration of the concept of silence across history, philosophy, theology, and literature. Reviews highlight Corbin's innovative approach to historical writing, addressing silence not just as the absence of noise but as a rich, multifaceted subject. The book is praised for its intellectual depth and its capacity to make readers contemplate silence's varied roles and meanings in human experience.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781509517367
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 April 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Polity Press
Contributors:
- Translated by Jean Birrell
Audience: Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 13.0mm
Width: 137.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 227g
Pages: 160
About the Author
Alain Corbin is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Paris I, Sorbonne.
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