Abstract: Abstract This chapter discusses the development of urban publics, especially in Paris. It begins with an interpretation of Jürgen Habermas's work on the public sphere. I argue that most historical accounts of the public sphere have underplayed the crucial role Habermas assigns to capitalism in the public sphere's evolution. I survey the development of urban publics devoted to print culture, theater, music, fine arts, cafés, restaurants, and shopping. I argue that urban publics, which were relatively anonymous and commercially mediated, were a feature of eighteenth-century capitalism that made urban life more socially open and egalitarian.
Publication Year: 2021
Publication Date: 2021-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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