Description
Discover the enthralling exploration of desire and devotion in 'In Praise of the Whip: A Cultural History of Arousal.' This groundbreaking book by Niklaus Largier delves into the intricate relationship between religious practices and eroticism, presenting a nuanced understanding of voluntary flagellation throughout European history. From the medieval era's sacred rituals to modern interpretations found in literature and art, this compelling narrative examines how the whip has long served as a potent symbol of stimulation in both devotional and sexual contexts.
Uncover the emotional and sensual dynamics captured within religious, literary, and medical texts, and learn how figures like the Marquis de Sade and poets such as Swinburne and Joyce interwove their works with themes of the whip. Largier invites readers to reflect on the impact of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation on medieval arousal cultures, revealing the tension between spiritual fervor and carnal indulgence.
This meticulously researched volume highlights the cultural history of arousal, intertwining historical context with modern concerns related to self-control, censorship, and fantasy. Essential for students of cultural studies, sexuality, and history, 'In Praise of the Whip' is a unique dive into the provocative interplay between faith and eroticism. Embrace a literary journey that celebrates the whip as more than just a tool, but as an emblem of our most primal urges.
Uncover the emotional and sensual dynamics captured within religious, literary, and medical texts, and learn how figures like the Marquis de Sade and poets such as Swinburne and Joyce interwove their works with themes of the whip. Largier invites readers to reflect on the impact of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation on medieval arousal cultures, revealing the tension between spiritual fervor and carnal indulgence.
This meticulously researched volume highlights the cultural history of arousal, intertwining historical context with modern concerns related to self-control, censorship, and fantasy. Essential for students of cultural studies, sexuality, and history, 'In Praise of the Whip' is a unique dive into the provocative interplay between faith and eroticism. Embrace a literary journey that celebrates the whip as more than just a tool, but as an emblem of our most primal urges.