Review by Choice Review
The discourses of sensibility and economics are generally understood as antagonistic: expressions of soft, tearful feeling on the one hand, hardheaded business acumen on the other. Skinner (Univ. of Durham, UK) argues that in the 18th-century novel of sensibility these discourses coexist and that sensibility can reflect and critique economic theory. A sentimental hero like Henry Fielding's David Simple can become a "Mandevillian Fool," and a working mother like Sara Fielding's Mrs. Bilson, a recipient of benefactions herself, can make charity economically as well as emotionally efficient. Skinner's study covers the rise and fall of English sensibility. In addition to chapters on the Fieldings, she provides close examinations of novels by Frances Brooke, Goldsmith, and Smollett; Elizabeth Griffith, Mackenzie, and Sterne; Robert Bage and Agnes Bennett. The sixth and final chapter takes up the problematic sensibilities of novels in the 1790s. Throughout, the author discusses relevant passages from the writings of economic theorists. The literary works were carefully selected to raise pertinent contrasts; however, since many of them will not be on undergraduate student reading lists, this volume will be of primary interest to specialists at the graduate level and above. G. R. Wasserman Russell Sage College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
