Description
Book Synopsis: “Remarkable.… Ekirch has emptied night's pockets, and laid the contents out before us.” —Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker
Bringing light to the shadows of history through a “rich weave of citation and archival evidence” (Publishers Weekly), scholar A. Roger Ekirch illuminates the aspects of life most often overlooked by other historians—those that unfold at night. In this “triumph of social history” (Mail on Sunday), Ekirch's “enthralling anthropology” (Harper's) exposes the nightlife that spawned a distinct culture and a refuge from daily life.
Fear of crime, of fire, and of the supernatural; the importance of moonlight; the increased incidence of sickness and death at night; evening gatherings to spin wool and stories; masqued balls; inns, taverns, and brothels; the strategies of thieves, assassins, and conspirators; the protective uses of incantations, meditations, and prayers; the nature of our predecessors' sleep and dreams—Ekirch reveals all these and more in his “monumental study” (The Nation) of sociocultural history, “maintaining throughout an infectious sense of wonder” (Booklist).
Details
Discover a world shrouded in darkness with "At Day's Close: Night in Times Past." This remarkable book by scholar A. Roger Ekirch offers a unique perspective on history, unearthing the often overlooked aspects of life that unfold after the sun sets. Through a rich weave of citation and archival evidence, Ekirch brings to light the vibrant nightlife that gave rise to a distinct culture and sanctuary from the daily grind.
Step into a world where fear of crime, fire, and the supernatural ruled the night. See how moonlight held a special importance and how sickness and death became more prevalent after dusk. Experience the enchantment of evening gatherings where wool was spun and stories were shared. Dive into the hidden world of masqued balls, inns, taverns, and brothels. Unveil the secrets of thieves, assassins, and conspirators as they schemed under the cover of darkness.
In "At Day's Close," Ekirch beautifully explores the protective uses of incantations, meditations, and prayers that our predecessors relied on during nighttime hours. Discover the nature of their sleep and dreams, shedding light on the mysterious realm of the night. This monumental study of sociocultural history maintains an infectious sense of wonder, transporting readers to an era when night held both danger and allure.
Experience history like never before with "At Day's Close: Night in Times Past." Step into the shadows and unearth the secrets that shaped our world. Order your copy now!
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