Touch here? Stroke there? Stop here? Do it again? The impressive fragility of the device only reinforces this sense — to do it wrong by dropping or misgesturing might lead to unknown consequences.

Yet these increasingly hypertrophic forms of masculinity existed in tension with ideals of obedience, courtesy, cultural refinement and charity that were still viewed as markers of the ‘gentleman’.

What’s your new email address? The old one bounces.

The senate hath stirr’d up the confiners And gentlemen of Italy, most willing spirits, That promise noble service […]