Why read Weeping Britannia?

Book cover of Weeping Britannia: Portrait of a Nation in Tears

Book description

There is a persistent myth about the British: that we are a nation of stoics, with stiff upper lips, repressed emotions, and inactive lachrymal glands. Weeping Britannia - the first history of crying in Britain - comprehensively debunks this myth.

Far from being a persistent element in the 'national character',…

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European history

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Why read it?

1 author picked Weeping Britannia as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Susie Steinbach

Author

I was looking for books on the history of emotions and this is one of the best!

Dixon demonstrates that the infamous British “stiff upper lip” is a lot more recent and a lot less timeless than most people think. I learned that until the late 1800s men could cry—in public no less—without anyone thinking less of them! Food for thought.

From Susie's list on The best books that will make you love Victorian Britain.