Skip to content

Between Two Stools: Scatology and Its Representations in English Literature,
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Between Two Stools: Scatology and Its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift Paperback - 2015

by Peter J. Smith


From the publisher

Now available in paperback, Between two stools investigates the representation of scatology - humorous, carnivalesque, satirical, damning and otherwise - in English literature from the middle ages to the eighteenth century.

Smith contends that the 'two stools' stand for two broadly distinctive attitudes towards scatology. The first is a carnivalesque, merry, even hearty disposition, typified by the writings of Chaucer and Shakespeare. The second is self-disgust, an attitude characterised by withering misanthropy and hypochondria. Smith demonstrates how the combination of high and low cultures manifests the capacity to run canonical and carnivalesque together so that sanctioned and civilised artefacts and scatological humour frequently co-exist in the works under discussion, evidence of an earlier culture's aptitude (now lost) to occupy a position between two stools.

Of interest to cultural and literary historians, this ground-breaking study testifies to the arrival of scatology as an academic subject, at the same time recognising that it remains if not outside, then at least at the margins of conventional scholarship.

From the rear cover

Between two stools investigates the representation of scatology - humorous, carnivalesque, satirical, damning and otherwise - in English literature from the middle ages to the eighteenth century. While a number of recent publications have attempted to analyse the employment of scatology in literature, culture or the arts, they remain, to date, rare examples of a preparedness to discuss such material. This study is the first to consider the topic over such a long historical period, allowing a thorough and original exploration of its foundations and traditions.

Smith contends that the 'two stools' stand for two broadly distinctive attitudes towards scatology. The first is a carnivalesque, merry, even hearty disposition, typified by the writings of Chaucer and Shakespeare. The second is self-disgust, an attitude characterised by withering misanthropy and hypochondria. He locates this shift in sensibility in the crisis of the English Civil War and the aftermath of the Restoration. Smith demonstrates how the combination of high and low cultures manifests the capacity to run canonical and carnivalesque together so that sanctioned and civilised artefacts and scatological humour frequently co-exist in the works under discussion, evidence of an earlier culture's aptitude (now lost) to occupy a position between two stools.

Of interest to cultural and literary historians, this ground-breaking study testifies to the arrival of scatology as an academic subject, at the same time recognising that it remains if not outside, then at least at the margins of conventional scholarship.

Details

  • Title Between Two Stools: Scatology and Its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift
  • Author Peter J. Smith
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 304
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Manchester University Press
  • Date 2015
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated
  • ISBN 9780719097614 / 0719097614
  • Weight 0.86 lbs (0.39 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.69 in (21.59 x 13.97 x 1.75 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Medieval (500-1453) Studies
    • Cultural Region: British
    • Interdisciplinary Studies: Medieval (500-1453) Studies
  • Dewey Decimal Code 820.9

About the author

Peter J. Smith is Reader in Renaissance Literature, Nottingham Trent University
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Between two stools : Scatology and its representations in English literature, Chaucer to Swift
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Between two stools : Scatology and its representations in English literature, Chaucer to Swift

by Peter J. Smith

  • New
Condition
New
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780719097614 / 0719097614
Quantity Available
617
Seller
Uxbridge, Greater London, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€24.75
€9.61 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; The Between two stools : Scatology and its representations in English literature, Chaucer to Swift.
Item Price
€24.75
€9.61 shipping to USA
Between Two Stools: Scatology and its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift

Between Two Stools: Scatology and its Representations in English Literature, Chaucer to Swift

by Peter J. Smith

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780719097614 / 0719097614
Quantity Available
10
Seller
Southport, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€26.12
€11.97 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paperback / softback. New. An engaging and lively tour through the scatological, the flatulent and the cloacal in English literature over four centuries. -- .
Item Price
€26.12
€11.97 shipping to USA
Between two stools: Scatology and its representations in English literature, Chaucer to Swift
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Between two stools: Scatology and its representations in English literature, Chaucer to Swift

by Smith, Peter J.

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780719097614 / 0719097614
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Newport Coast, California, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€59.04
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
paperback. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.
Item Price
€59.04
FREE shipping to USA