This volume investigates the complex relationship between emotional expression and the mechanisms of social transformation throughout history. The authors, Ann K. Brooks and David Lemmings, synthesize historical case studies and sociological theory to argue that emotions are not merely private experiences but are active, public forces that shape political and social structures. By examining how emotional norms evolve, the text provides a framework for understanding how collective sentiments influence the trajectory of societal change.

Scholars in the field of history and sociology frequently cite this work as a significant contribution to the study of emotional history. The text is noted for its rigorous academic approach, making it a valuable resource for researchers examining the intersection of affect and social change.