Grace Brockington Libros

This collection of essays originates from the conference ‘Internationalism and the Arts: Anglo-European Cultural Exchange at the Fin de Siècle’ held at Magdalene College, Cambridge, in July 2006. The rise of internationalism in late 19th-century Europe fostered optimism for peace, a stark contrast to the militarism that characterized the period, flanked by the Franco-Prussian War and World War I. While themes of national consolidation and aggression dominate analyses of this era, transnational networks gained traction despite political and cultural isolation. This book delves into the contributions of artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals in advocating for internationalism. It highlights a diverse array of individuals, media, and movements, featuring figures like Walter Sickert and Henri La Fontaine, internationalist art societies, periodicals, performances, and the mobility of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The geographical scope encompasses Belgium, Bohemia, Britain, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, and Slovakia. By drawing on scholarship from Europe and America, the collection addresses the complexity of European identities at the fin de siècle and underscores the potential for interdisciplinary research today.