Foreign Bodies and the Body Politic

Discover the intriguing connections between early modern English perspectives on disease and societal norms in Foreign Bodies and the Body Politic by Jonathan Gil Harris. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2006, this insightful work spans 216 pages and delves into the cultural significance of the human body during the 16th century. Harris expertly explores how historical attitudes towards foreigners as potential carriers of disease have influenced modern xenophobia and contributed to the development of germ theory. This book is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of literature, history, and cultural criticism in early modern Europe, particularly in the context of England and Eastern Europe. Enhance your understanding of how literature reflects societal fears and perceptions with this compelling analysis.