Faces of Degeneration: A European Disorder, 1848-1918This book investigates the specific conception and descent of a language of degeneration from 1848 to 1918, with particular reference to France, Italy, and England. The author shows how in the refraction and wake of evolution and naturalism, new images and theories of atavism, dgnrescence and socio biological decline emerged in European culture and politics. He indicates the wide cultural and political importance of the idea of degeneration, while