Description
This groundbreaking historical study examines how masturbation became a source of social panic and moral terror from the 18th century onwards. Thomas Laqueur traces the fascinating evolution of attitudes toward sexuality, revealing how a natural bodily function transformed into a medicalized “disease” that haunted public discourse and shaped sexual attitudes globally. Perfect for historians, sociology students, and anyone interested in how social anxieties are constructed, this 240-page work challenges conventional thinking about the body, medicine, and morality. Essential reading for understanding the cultural roots of contemporary sexual attitudes in India and beyond.
- Print length: 240 pages
- Language: English
- Publisher: St. Martin's Press
- Publication date: 6 July 2001
- Dimensions: 13.97 x 1.91 x 21.59 cm
- ISBN-10: 3122244357
- ISBN-13: 978-3122244354
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of this book and what is his expertise?
Thomas Laqueur is a renowned historian and professor at UC Berkeley specializing in the history of sexuality and the body. His scholarly work examines how societies construct meanings around biological and sexual phenomena, making him uniquely qualified to explore this topic with academic rigor.
Is this book suitable for academic study in Indian universities?
Yes, this book is widely used in higher education curricula, particularly in history, sociology, gender studies, and cultural studies programs at Indian universities. It’s a key text for understanding Western intellectual history and social construction of sexuality.
What time period does this book cover?
The book primarily focuses on the 18th to 20th centuries, tracing how attitudes toward masturbation shifted from a natural biological act to a source of medical and moral panic during the Victorian era and beyond.
Can I buy this book online in India with home delivery?
Yes, The Bookish Owl offers home delivery across India. We stock this academic text and can deliver it to your address. Check our shipping policy for delivery timelines to your location.
Is this book only about history or does it discuss contemporary issues too?
While the book is primarily historical in scope, Laqueur’s analysis of how panic and fear were historically manufactured offers important insights for understanding contemporary attitudes toward sexuality and the body in modern India.
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