The Fires of Lust

Name: The Fires of Lust
Brand: NewSouth Books
SKU: 9781789144895
Price: 44.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Sex in the Middle Ages

By Katherine Harvey

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3.98

( 347 ratings, 61 reviews)

Summary

The Fires of Lust by Katherine Harvey is an exploration of medieval sexuality, examining how desire was navigated, understood, and controlled within the societal framework of the Middle Ages. The book delves into both the religious and cultural influences on sexual behaviour, highlighting fascinating insights into the daily lives and values of medieval people.
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Format: Hardback

$44⁹⁹

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The Fires of Lust

$44⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the intimate details of medieval life, exploring how sexuality influenced both societal norms and personal relationships during the Middle Ages. Delve into historical perspectives filled with humour, intrigue, and comprehensive research, offering a fresh and engaging look at a lesser-discussed aspect of history.

An engrossing exploration of the sex lives of ordinary medieval people.

Description

The medieval humoral system of medicine suggested that it was possible to die from having too much or too little sex, while the Roman Catholic Church taught that virginity was the ideal state. Holy men and women committed themselves to lifelong abstinence in the name of religion. Everyone was forced to conform to restrictive rules about who they could have sex with, in what way, how often, and even when, and could be harshly punished for getting it wrong.

Other experiences are more familiar. Like us, medieval people faced challenges in finding a suitable partner or trying to get pregnant (or trying not to). They also struggled with many of the same social issues, such as whether prostitution should be legalised. Above all, they shared our fondness for dirty jokes and erotic images.

By exploring their sex lives, The Fires of Lust brings ordinary medieval people to life and reveals details of their most personal thoughts and experiences. Ultimately, it provides us with an important and intimate connection to the past.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Fires of Lust by Katherine Harvey is praised for its engaging and scholarly approach to sexuality in medieval Europe. Reviewers highlight Harvey's expertise in the history of medicine and commend her ability to weave legal and cultural perspectives into a comprehensive narrative. The book is noted for its directness, wit, and humanity in exploring medieval life, making it an informative and fascinating read.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789144895

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 11 October 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 17 illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 296

Collections

European History History & Archaeology History & Military Katherine Harvey Non-Fiction

About the Author

Katherine Harvey is an Honorary Research Fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She holds a PhD in Medieval History from King’s College London and has published widely on medieval topics, including sexuality, gender, emotions and the body.

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The Fires of Lust

By Katherine Harvey

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