Mesmerism and the End of the Enlightenment in France  

Robert Darnton's *Mesmerism and the End of the Enlightenment in France* stands as a seminal work that fundamentally reshaped our understanding of late 18th-century French society. Beyond its captivating narrative of Franz Mesmer's flamboyant therapeutic system, the book delves into the anxieties and transformative forces at play as the Enlightenment's rationalist ideals began to fray. Darnton masterfully illustrates how mesmerism, with its blend of scientific spectacle, charismatic authority, and a palpable sense of the uncanny, offered a compelling alternative to Enlightenment reason for a populace grappling with social upheaval and a yearning for something more. This exploration of a seemingly fringe phenomenon reveals crucial insights into shifting cultural sensibilities, the popular appeal of the irrational, and the undercurrents that would soon erupt in revolution. This work unequivocally belongs on any list of Darnton's best because it exemplifies his signature historical methodology and profound ability to illuminate the hidden currents of the past. Darnton doesn't just recount events; he reconstructs the lived experience of an era, drawing upon an unparalleled depth of research in archival sources to bring the salons, theaters, and drawing rooms of pre-revolutionary France vividly to life. *Mesmerism* showcases his remarkable talent for interdisciplinary analysis, seamlessly weaving together history, sociology, anthropology, and literary criticism to create a rich tapestry of cultural history. It’s a testament to his skill in demonstrating how seemingly esoteric beliefs and practices can serve as powerful indicators of deeper societal shifts, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the cultural origins of the modern world.