Sex and Pleasure in Western Culture

Sex and Pleasure in Western Culture provides the firstcomprehensive overview of desire and pleasure in western sexualculture. It argues that both have always been seen as sociallydisruptive and morally dangerous and offers an entertaining accountof the methods by which these attributes of sex were managed acrossthe centuries from Classical Antiquity to the present day.

The book develops the hypothesis that, while expressed in verydifferent social contexts, sexual pleasure has evoked very similaranxieties. The text draws on historical, cultural, sociological andcontemporary sources and is easily accessible for both the generalreader and students of gender and sexual culture. In addition totelling a story of its own, Sex and Pleasure in Western Cultureexamines lesser-known aspects of sexual history that invite furtherexploration by the interested reader. These range from sexualaestheticism in the 4th century AD and the sexual meaning ofmedieval church gargoyles, through to sexual training in the 1950sand 21st century sex holidays.

The book will provide a compelling read for both students ofsexuality and lay readers who find the complexities of humansexuality a source of fascination.