The Body of Freedom: Jorge Coli

A Journey Through the History of the Body in Western Thought

In his groundbreaking book, "The Body of Freedom," Jorge Coli takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history of the body in Western thought. From the ancient Greeks to the present day, Coli explores how our understanding of the body has shaped our culture, our politics, and our very sense of self.

The Ancient Body

For the ancient Greeks, the body was a microcosm of the universe, a perfect reflection of the divine order. The body was also seen as a source of pleasure and beauty, and it was celebrated in art, literature, and philosophy.

The Medieval Body

With the rise of Christianity, the body came to be seen as a source of sin and temptation. The body was mortified and denied, and it was often hidden away from view.

The Renaissance Body

The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in the body. The body was once again celebrated as a source of beauty and pleasure, and it was often depicted in art and literature.

The Modern Body

The modern body is a complex and contested site. It is a site of pleasure and pain, of health and disease, of beauty and ugliness. The modern body is also a site of political struggle, as different groups vie for control over how the body is defined and used.

The Body of Freedom

Coli argues that the body is not simply a physical object, but also a social and political construct. The body is a site of power, and it is through the body that we experience freedom and oppression.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in the History of the Body

"The Body of Freedom" is a magisterial work of scholarship that is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the body. Coli's book is a fascinating exploration of how our understanding of the body has shaped our culture, our politics, and our very sense of self.

Praise for "The Body of Freedom"

"A brilliant and provocative book that will change the way you think about the body." - The New York Times

"A magisterial work of scholarship that is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the body." - The Times Literary Supplement

"A fascinating exploration of how our understanding of the body has shaped our culture, our politics, and our very sense of self." - The Guardian