The Anxieties of Idleness

Exploring the concept of idleness in eighteenth-century British literature and culture, the book delves into how Britain's emerging national identity was intertwined with the ideal of industriousness. Sarah Jordan highlights the tension between this ideal and the societal value placed on leisure, which reinforced class distinctions. The resulting anxiety over idleness led to heightened scrutiny of marginalized groups, including the working class, women, and nonwhite races, revealing deep societal concerns about productivity and status during this transformative period.