Summary:
The book traces the evolution of human rights from the 18th century, examining how literature and political events like the American and French revolutions shaped the concept. It argues that the development of empathy through the novel as a literary form played a crucial role in making human rights a universal concern.
Key points:
1. Empathy and Novels: Lynn Hunt suggests 18th-century novels helped develop human rights by making readers empathize with different characters, fostering a sense of shared humanity.
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