Sex and the Western World - Jean Louis Flandrin

Sex and the Western World: A History of Sexuality from the Renaissance to the Present

By Jean Louis Flandrin

A groundbreaking and comprehensive history of sexuality in the Western world, from the Renaissance to the present.

In this magisterial work, Jean Louis Flandrin traces the evolution of sexual attitudes and practices in the Western world from the Renaissance to the present. Drawing on a vast array of sources, including literature, art, medical texts, and legal documents, Flandrin explores how sexuality has been shaped by social, cultural, and religious forces.

Flandrin begins by examining the sexual revolution of the Renaissance, which saw a dramatic increase in the expression of sexual desire in art and literature. He then traces the rise of Puritanism in the 17th century, which led to a more repressive sexual climate. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment brought about a new wave of sexual liberalism, which was followed by a backlash in the 19th century.

In the 20th century, sexuality became increasingly medicalized and commercialized. Flandrin concludes by arguing that the sexual revolution of the 1960s was a watershed moment in the history of sexuality, leading to a more open and tolerant attitude towards sex.

Sex and the Western World is a landmark work of scholarship that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of sexuality, gender, and culture.

Key Themes

• The evolution of sexual attitudes and practices in the Western world from the Renaissance to the present
• The impact of social, cultural, and religious forces on sexuality
• The relationship between sexuality and power
• The medicalization and commercialization of sexuality
• The sexual revolution of the 1960s

Why You Should Read This Book

Sex and the Western World is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of sexuality. Flandrin's magisterial work is a comprehensive and well-researched account of how sexuality has been shaped by social, cultural, and religious forces over the centuries. Flandrin's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of weaving together a vast array of sources to create a coherent and compelling narrative.

Sex and the Western World is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and general readers alike. It is a book that will challenge your assumptions about sexuality and leave you with a new understanding of the role it has played in Western culture.

Praise for Sex and the Western World

"A magisterial work of scholarship that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of sexuality, gender, and culture." —The New York Times Book Review

"A fascinating and comprehensive history of sexuality in the Western world. Flandrin's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of weaving together a vast array of sources to create a coherent and compelling narrative." —The Wall Street Journal

"A must-read for anyone interested in the history of sexuality. Flandrin's work is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and general readers alike." —The Boston Globe