Description
Dive into 'The Fires of Lust,' a fascinating exploration of medieval sexual culture that transcends time and engages the imagination. This compelling book, published by Reaktion Books in 2022, examines how the medieval humoral system viewed sexuality, suggesting that an imbalance could lead to dire consequences. It juxtaposes the strict teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, which idealized virginity, with the everyday realities faced by men and women navigating their sexual desires. Explore the lives of holy devotees who practiced lifelong abstinence, and discover how societal norms dictated who could engage in sexual relationships and the myriad forms those relationships could take. Despite the constraints, medieval society still found ways to express their eroticism through jokes and art, allowing us to connect intimately with their experiences. This book sheds light on the complexities of love, desire, and societal expectations, offering insights that resonate with modern readers. With 'The Fires of Lust,' journey back to a time when sex was both revered and reviled, and discover the unfiltered truths of intimate human relationships. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9781789144895.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781789144895
Year: 2022
Publisher: Reaktion Books
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 book 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.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781789144895
Year: 2022
Publisher: Reaktion Books
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 book 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.