John Peacock – författare

This interdisciplinary study examines painted portraiture as a defining metaphor of elite self-representation in early modern culture.

Beginning with Castiglione’s Book of the Courtier (1528), the most influential early modern account of the formation of elite identity, the argument traces a path across the ensuing century towards the images of courtiers and nobles by the most persuasive of European portrait painters, Van Dyck, especially those produced in London during the 1630s. It investigates two related kinds of texts: those which, following Castiglione, model the conduct of the ideal courtier or elite social conduct more generally; and those belonging to the established tradition of debates about the condition of nobility –how far it is genetically inherited and how far a function of excelling moral and social behaviour. Van Dyck is seen as contributing to these discussions through the language of pictorial art.

The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, cultural history, early modern history and Renaissance studies.

This interdisciplinary study examines painted portraiture as a defining metaphor of elite self-representation in early modern culture.

Beginning with Castiglione’s Book of the Courtier (1528), the most influential early modern account of the formation of elite identity, the argument traces a path across the ensuing century towards the images of courtiers and nobles by the most persuasive of European portrait painters, Van Dyck, especially those produced in London during the 1630s. It investigates two related kinds of texts: those which, following Castiglione, model the conduct of the ideal courtier or elite social conduct more generally; and those belonging to the established tradition of debates about the condition of nobility –how far it is genetically inherited and how far a function of excelling moral and social behaviour. Van Dyck is seen as contributing to these discussions through the language of pictorial art.

The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, cultural history, early modern history and Renaissance studies.

This book examines the importance of the topic of ‘feeling tone’ (vedanā) as it appears in early Buddhist texts and practice, and also within contemporary, secular, mindfulness-based interventions.

The volume aims to highlight the crucial nature of the ‘feeling tone’ or ‘taste of experience’ in determining mental reactivity, behaviour, character, and ethics. In the history of Buddhism, and in its reception in contemporary discourse, vedanā has often been a much-neglected topic, with greater emphasis being accorded to other meditational focuses, such as body and mind. However, ‘feeling tone’ (vedanā) can be seen as a crucial pivotal point in understanding the cognitive process, both in contemporary mindfulness and meditation practice within more traditional forms of Buddhism. The taste of experience, it is claimed, comes as pleasant, unpleasant, and neither pleasant nor unpleasant – and these ‘tones’ or ‘tastes’ inevitably follow from humans being embodied sensory beings. That experience comes in this way is unavoidable, but what follows can be seen in terms of reactivity or responsiveness.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Contemporary Buddhism.

This book examines the importance of the topic of ‘feeling tone’ (vedanā) as it appears in early Buddhist texts and practice, and also within contemporary, secular, mindfulness-based interventions.

The volume aims to highlight the crucial nature of the ‘feeling tone’ or ‘taste of experience’ in determining mental reactivity, behaviour, character, and ethics. In the history of Buddhism, and in its reception in contemporary discourse, vedanā has often been a much-neglected topic, with greater emphasis being accorded to other meditational focuses, such as body and mind. However, ‘feeling tone’ (vedanā) can be seen as a crucial pivotal point in understanding the cognitive process, both in contemporary mindfulness and meditation practice within more traditional forms of Buddhism. The taste of experience, it is claimed, comes as pleasant, unpleasant, and neither pleasant nor unpleasant – and these ‘tones’ or ‘tastes’ inevitably follow from humans being embodied sensory beings. That experience comes in this way is unavoidable, but what follows can be seen in terms of reactivity or responsiveness.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Contemporary Buddhism.

Toulouse-Lautrec''s iconic Parisian poster stars come to life in these full-cast dramas, set in 19th-century Montmartre1889, Paris. When Charles Zidler''s extravagant pleasure palace, the Moulin Rouge, opens in bohemian Montmartre, he commissions local artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec to create a series of posters to promote it. The striking lithographs Henri produces will make his name - and launch the careers of the performers he portrayed.This sparkling collection of plays introduces us to eight of those legendary artistes, whose lives were as vivid as Lautrec''s paint. It opens with Yvette Guilbert, the story of a singer whose dreams of wealth and fame lead her to a brand new cabaret on Boulevard de Clichy.... In The Boneless Wonder, we meet can-can dancer Valentin Renaudin. Merely a silhouette in Toulouse-Lautrec''s poster, what is he in real life? La Goulue tells the tale of his famous partner, Louise Weber, whose soubriquet reflects her love of food and life. And in Jane Avril, we hear about Henri''s muse, whose nickname ''Crazy Jane'' didn''t simply refer to her exuberant dancing.May Belfort explores the Irish singer turned lady of the night, who relied more on her beauty than her voice. In Footitt and Chocolat, a circus double act is in danger of drifting apart; while in Casque d''Or, a group of passionate revolutionaries make a fatal last stand. Finally, Aristide Bruant sees the socialist club owner becoming a fashionable success - against all his intentions. He needs to find a new direction: as does Yvette Guilbert...Created by award-winning writer John Peacock, these dazzling dramas will transport you to Belle Époque Paris, in all its glamour and decadence. The star casts include Julie Covington as Yvette Guilbert, Frances Barber as La Goulue, Bonnie Langford as May Belfort, Bernard Hill as Aristide Bruant and Miranda Richardson as Marie Briand.Written by John PeacockDirected by Jane MorganMusic by Stephen WarbeckTechnical presentation: David Greenwood, assisted by Anne Bunting and Colin Guthrie© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A BBC Radio thriller series about two old-school detectives who solve crimes in Victorian London1839, and Bow Street Runner Pip Shepherd is out of a job. The Runners have been disbanded, merged with Sir Robert Peel''s new Metropolitan Police - and there''s no way Pip''s signing up with them. But when he befriends ''Peeler'' Thomas Tedman, and hears about an upcoming detective division, he has second thoughts: and soon the duo are investigating their first cases together.The Last of the Bow Street Runners sees Tom and Pip teaming up to solve the mystery of a murdered earl and a missing fiancé. In A Cuckoo in the Nest, a man lost at sea for 14 years returns to claim his fortune. But is he the Nettlefields'' true son and heir, or an imposter? Out on the Drag finds Pip going undercover to infiltrate a gang of ''draggers'' led by the sinister Brock - and finding more than he bargained for. In The Kitten House, the two policemen probe a sophisticated vice ring operating in the highest echelons of society...Scripted by award-winning writer John Peacock, these four fantastic historical crime dramas star Todd Carty (Grange Hill, EastEnders) as Pip, with Charles Simpson (London Bridge, Kavanagh QC) as Thomas.Written by John PeacockDirected by David BlountPianist: Harry MyersCastPip Shepherd - Todd CartyThomas Tedman - Charles SimpsonDolly Jenks - Maggie McCarthyWith Deborah Berlin, Ioan Meredith, Tessa Worsley, Zulema Dene, Stephen Critchlow, Tracy Wiles, Becky Hindley, Elizabeth Conboy, Harry Myers, Maggie McCarthyFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 June-2 July 1999© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd