Emergence of Civil Society in the Eighteenth Century A Privileged Moment in the History of England Scotland & France

"This is a stimulating book." --Choice

"... with its rich historical and cultural detail draws us again and again into the fine webs of everyday life that defined eighteenth-century society and the idea of civil society therein." --William and Mary Quarterly

In this sequel to Civility and Society in Western Europe, 1300-1600, Marvin Becker treats the rise of civil society in England and Scotland and the shift in human sociability from familiarity toward impersonality, from public toward private, from social solidarity toward self-interest.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-159) and index.

MARVIN B. BECKER is Professor of History at the University of Michigan. His previous books include Florence in Transition (two volumes); Medieval Italy: Constraints and Creativity; and Civility and Society in Western Europe, 1300-1600.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION

I. Toward an Understanding of Civil Society

II. Civil Society and the Case of England and Scotland

Epilogue

Notes

Index