Through a series of interrelated case-studies of nineteenth-century history books, history textbooks, and historical novels, Rosemary Mitchell draws out the attitudes of Victorians toward their national past. She highlights how history--once a popular pastime--became the preserve of professionals and how both the text and images in popular and scholarly publications contributed to Victorian cultural identities.

This collection of essays by French and British humanities scholars explores the complex relationship between the two nations in the long nineteenth century. Both countries contemplated the other with admiration and anxiety, using their best enemy to shape their own national identities. Mutual (In)Comprehensions is unique in the range of its coverage, which includes artistic, literary, economic, educational, social, and historical interpretations, interactions, and appropriations. British railway engineers consider the character of the French railway worker; a French illustrator portrays with...