The dome of thought is the first study of phrenology based primarily on the popular – rather than medical – appreciation of this important and controversial pseudoscience. With detailed reference to the reports printed in popular newspapers from the early years of the nineteenth century to the fin de siècle, the book provides an unequalled insight into the Victorian public’s understanding of the techniques, assumptions and implications of defining a person’s character by way of the bumps on their skull. Highly relevant to the study of the many authors – Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot, among them – whose fiction was informed by the imagery of phrenology, The dome of thought will prove an essential resource for anybody with an interest in the popular and literary culture of the nineteenth century, including literary scholars, medical historians and the general reader.

In 'George Borrow and His Circle' by Clement King Shorter, readers are taken on a scholarly examination of the life and works of the enigmatic figure, George Borrow, and the literary circle that surrounded him. Shorter's meticulous research and insightful analysis provide a comprehensive look into the influences and relationships that shaped Borrow's writing, shedding light on the romanticism and wanderlust that characterize his works. The book delves into Borrow's unconventional approach to language and his fascination with diverse cultures, making it a must-read for literary enthusiasts interested in 19th-century Romantic literature. Shorter's writing style is detailed and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Borrow and his contemporaries with a sense of depth and understanding. By exploring Borrow's relationships with famous figures such as William Thackeray and Charles Dickens, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the interconnectedness of the literary world of the time. 'George Borrow and His Circle' is a scholarly treasure trove for those seeking a deeper understanding of the man and the era he inhabited.

This study reassesses the criminal body from sentencing to execution and afterlife, using the nineteenth-century Red Barn murder as a case study. Positioned within the burgeoning field of medical humanities, it places culture and power at the centre of debates surrounding criminal justice and public punishment.