Description: An exploration of contemporary re-imaginings of 18th-century narratives, culture, ideas and values across film, television, historical fiction and gaming, this book uncovers and challenges the period's cultural legacies today.
Brief description: Madeleine Pelling is a cultural historian, author and award-winning broadcaster. She holds a PhD from the University of York, UK, and has held research fellowships at the universities of Yale, Edinburgh and Manchester. Her books include Writing on the Wall: Graffiti, Rebellion and the Making of Eighteenth-Century Britain (2024), Hoax: A History of Truth, Lies and Enlightenment (2026) and her words appear in The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Independent and BBC History Magazine. She is co-host of History Hit's ARIA-nominated After Dark podcast, and is a regular presenter and expert contributor across television and radio, working with BBC, Channel 4, Sky Arts, Warner Bros, History Hit and Times Radio.
Review Quotes: "The Eighteenth Century Today is an innovative approach to the prevalence of the long eighteenth century in contemporary culture. Contributions range from film, television, and gaming to art, theatre, and museums. Essays tackling enduring questions of class, race, gender, and sexuality and interviews with culture-industry professionals make this a timely contribution." --Nicholas Seager, Head of the School of Humanities, Keele University, UK