When Private Talk Goes Public

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Rumor, hearsay, tittle-tattle, scuttlebutt, scandal, dirt-whatever the term, gossip is one of the most common forms of communication in which we engage. And yet, even as it is often absorbing and socially significant, it is also widely denigrated. This engaging volume brings together a captivating array of case studies in the history of American gossip, from colonial witchcraft trials to the era of People magazine and flash-in-the-pan Internet celebrities.

Here, contributors from diverse disciplines explore the role of gossip in American society, culture, and politics, tracing its transformations and continuities over time and making a convincing case that we should reassess this too-readily dismissed variety of social exchange. Review: 'A magnificent and wondrously wide-ranging anthology of articles on 350 years of gossip about politics, power, diplomacy, celebrity, marriage, morals, murder, mayhem, love, and, of course, sex in its multiple variations, When Private Talk Goes Public has something for everyone who cares about, studies, teaches, or reads American history.' - David Nasaw, Arthur M.

Schlesinger, Jr. Professor of History, City University of New York, USA Brilliantly - and engagingly - these essays explore the role of gossip and gender in defining the history of our society. From the Salem witch trials to contemporary politics, this volume illuminates how our definition of the issues confronting us goes back to a fascinating dynamic of story-telling. - William H.

Chafe, Alice Mary Baldwin Professor of American History, Duke University, USA'This lively and fascinating collection challenges many common assumptions about the meaning and functions of gossip. Spanning American history from witchcraft trials in the Colonial era to internet blogging in the 21st century, these essays show how gossip has blurred the lines between public and private life.

Whether causing scandal or providing social cohesion, gossip remains a central feature of American life. A great read full of surprises!' - Elaine Tyler May, author of America and the Pill: A History of Promise, Peril, and Liberation

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