Child Murder and British Culture, 1720–1900

Discover the haunting exploration of child murder in British culture from 1720 to 1900 in Child Murder and British Culture, 1720–1900 by Josephine McDonagh. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2008, this insightful paperback spans 296 pages, delving into the complex narratives surrounding crimes against children during the 18th and 19th centuries.

McDonagh skillfully traces the evolution of societal attitudes towards child murder, starting from Jonathan Swift's provocative A Modest Proposal and extending through significant literary works and debates involving influential figures such as Edmund Burke, William Wordsworth, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Thomas Hardy. This book provides a critical examination of infanticide and its representation in English literature, offering readers a profound understanding of the historical context and cultural implications.

Ideal for scholars and enthusiasts of history and literary criticism, McDonagh's work invites you to reflect on the darker aspects of British culture and the enduring impact of these narratives.