During the 18th century, reading the mind through the body and facial expressions was an occupation treated seriously, and therefore heavily used in novels. Today, we would call it body language, or non-verbal cues. In addition, there was fascination with messages communicated by the static physiognomy, whether or not it is a useful measure, and what those standards might be. McMaster covers several lines of thought that inform 18th century literature, covering a wide range, and especially taking examples from Sterne, Richardson, Fielding, Burney. In the epilogue, "On to Jane Austen," she looks forward. Understanding the culture steeped in the examination of these visual cues, we have a deeper window into the messages novelists conveyed. With an opening chapter on 18th century medical insight. Illustrated. Palgrave Macmillan. 2004. Paper. List $99.00. NEW. $89.00
