The product of a 2001 conference at the University of Manchester on the representation of emotions, these essays examine ways in which emotions have been conceived, articulated and treated in
Western art, music, philosophy and medicine. Their unifying premise is that emotions do not exist but are brought into being socially and historically, and recognized, encouraged, controlled,
particularly in relation to race, class and gender. The essays report on case studies in western Europe and the US from the 17th to the 20th century. Topics include the cultural history of the
emotions, the spirit of affect in Giotto and Piero, and the rhythmic conception of music and emotions. Annotation 穢2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
