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A Curious History of Sex
Brief Description
Host of the award-winning History Hit podcast Betwixt the Sheets takes us on a wild ride through the history of sex. The act of sex has not changed since people first worked out what went where, but the ways in which society dictates how sex is...
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Description
Host of the award-winning History Hit podcast Betwixt the Sheets takes us on a wild ride through the history of sex.
The act of sex has not changed since people first worked out what went where, but the ways in which society dictates how sex is culturally understood and performed have varied significantly through the ages. Humans are the only creatures that stigmatised particular sexual practices, and sex remains a deeply divisive issue around the world. Attitudes will change and growβhopefully for the betterβbut sex will never be free of stigma or shame unless we acknowledge where it has come from.
Based on the popular research project Whores of Yore, and written with her distinctive humour and wit, A Curious History of Sex draws upon Dr Kate Lister's extensive knowledge of sex history. From medieval impotence tests to twentieth-century testicle thefts, from the erotic frescoes of Pompeii to modern-day sex doll brothels, Kate unashamedly roots around in the pants of history, debunking myths, challenging stereotypes, and generally getting her hands dirty.
This fascinating book is peppered with surprising and informative historical slang, and illustrated with eye-opening, toe-curling, and meticulously sourced images from the past.
You will laugh, you will wince, and you will wonder just how much has actually changed.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781804999882
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 16 April 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin (Transworld)
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 1.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 292g
Pages: 448
About the Author
Dr Kate Lister is an historian, columnist, television presenter and host of the award-winning History Hit podcast Betwixt the Sheets. She has published widely in the field of sex history, and lives in the north of England.
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