The shadow of enlightenment : optical and political transparency in France, 1789-1848 / Theresa Levitt.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Levitt, Theresa.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Optical engineering--France--History--18th century.

Optical engineering.

Optical engineering--France--History--19th century.

Enlightenment.

France--Politics and government--18th century.

France.

France--Politics and government--19th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (200 p.)

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book is the first to place revolutionary advances in light and optics in the cultural context of France in the first half of the nineteenth century. The narrative follows the work and careers of France's two chief rivals on the subject of light: Arago and Biot. Their disagreement began on the subject of technical optics, but expanded to include politics, religion, agricultural policy, education, dinner companions, housing arrangements, photography, railroads, vital forces,astrology, the Egyptian calendar, and colonial slavery. At the heart of their disagreement was always a question of vi

Contents:

Table of Contents; The Shadow of Enlightenment: Optical and Political Transparency in France, 1789-1848; 1. A Revolution in Representation; 2. Le Rouge et le Vert: The Colors of Opposition in Restoration France; 3. Astronomy: The Light of the Heavens; 4. A Vital Matter: Light and Life; 5. Light Paints Itself: The Conditions of Photographic Representation; 6. Illuminate All Eyes: Colonial Markets and the Problem of Freedom; Conclusion; Index; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; R; S; T; U; V; W; Y; Z

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

0-19-156263-7

1-281-97870-1

9786611978709

OCLC:

316297350