Performing Libertinism in Charles II's Court
by
Jeremy W. Webster; Jeremy Webster
Publication Date: 2005-08-06
"Performing Libertinism in Charles II's Court examines the performative nature of Restoration libertinism by reading reports of libertine, activities and texts of libertine plays within the context of the fraternization between George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, Sir Charles Sedley, Sir George Etherege, and William Wycherley, Libertines, both real and imagined, performed traditionally secretive acts, including excessive drinking, sex, sedition, and sacrilege, in the public sphere. Webster argues that this eruption of the private into the public challenged a Stuart ideology that distinguished between the nation's public life and the king's and his subjects' private consciences. Although this eruption was contained by the early 1680s, the libertine performances this book analyzes nevertheless played an important part in the history of English politics, drama, and sexuality."--BOOK JACKET.