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Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain
£4.70
“Dull this book is not, and it gives an insight into the many scandals not spoken about in polite Victorian drawing rooms.” —Glasgow & West of Scotland Family History Society
Peek beneath the bedsheets of nineteenth-century Britain in this affectionate, informative and fascinating look at sex and sexuality during the reign of Queen Victoria. It examines the prevailing attitudes towards male and female sexual behavior, and the ways in which these attitudes were often determined by those in positions of power and authority. It also explores our ancestors’ ingenious, surprising, bizarre and often entertaining solutions to the challenges associated with maintaining a healthy sex life.
Did the people in Victorian times live up to their stereotypes when it came to sexual behavior? This book will answer this question, as well as looking at fashion, food, science, art, medicine, magic, literature, love, politics, faith and superstition through a new lens, leaving the reader uplifted and with a new regard for the ingenuity and character of our great-great-grandparents.
“I would say this book gives you the information on relationships, genders and very much behavior that doesn’t usually come across in history books. Therefore this is an excellent book indeed, certainly one that more people should be aware of and learn from.” —UK Historian
“The writing is joyous and it is clear the author enjoys her subject and is fairly knowledgeable on things Victorian.” —Rosie Writes
“Fenn’s writing is so readable and it’s clear this is a book written by a historian who loves her subject and is very knowledgeable about the research being carried out by other historians.” —Jessticulates
Peek beneath the bedsheets of nineteenth-century Britain in this affectionate, informative and fascinating look at sex and sexuality during the reign of Queen Victoria. It examines the prevailing attitudes towards male and female sexual behavior, and the ways in which these attitudes were often determined by those in positions of power and authority. It also explores our ancestors’ ingenious, surprising, bizarre and often entertaining solutions to the challenges associated with maintaining a healthy sex life.
Did the people in Victorian times live up to their stereotypes when it came to sexual behavior? This book will answer this question, as well as looking at fashion, food, science, art, medicine, magic, literature, love, politics, faith and superstition through a new lens, leaving the reader uplifted and with a new regard for the ingenuity and character of our great-great-grandparents.
“I would say this book gives you the information on relationships, genders and very much behavior that doesn’t usually come across in history books. Therefore this is an excellent book indeed, certainly one that more people should be aware of and learn from.” —UK Historian
“The writing is joyous and it is clear the author enjoys her subject and is fairly knowledgeable on things Victorian.” —Rosie Writes
“Fenn’s writing is so readable and it’s clear this is a book written by a historian who loves her subject and is very knowledgeable about the research being carried out by other historians.” —Jessticulates
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Additional information
| Publisher | Illustrated edition (30 May 2020), Pen & Sword History |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 12224 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 202 pages |
by Daisy Hollands
As a dedicated follower of Violet’s writing in newspapers and on the internet, I was super excited when I heard she was writing a book. One that was going to be published and everything! I wasn’t thrilled to discover it was to be about the Victorian times, because to be honest, I’m not big into history (sorry Vi!). However, I’m as interested in sex and sexuality as the next person, so when I was offered a copy to read and review, I leapt at the chance.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. What an interesting book! Not at all lofty or superior in tone, but clearly written by someone with a thirst for knowledge and passionate about their subject. So much detail presented in a completely non-patronising way. More books like this could definitely pique my interest in history.
The chapters are all cleverly titled, (Beddings, Weddings and Bastards my personal favourite with an honorary mention for Lifting the Lid on Lust, because I have always absolutely adored alliteration) and enticing – there are even pictures! Nice to see some local places I recognised in there.
I learned a lot – Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain is informative as well as entertaining. I don’t know what the history department of my school was playing at, because no one ever told me that Queen Victoria changed her name! And English department, you can sit down as well – who knew that ‘shut’ meaning alleyway is thought to be a contraction of ‘short cut’? Come for the sex, stay for the grammar lesson!
In summary, I really enjoyed this book – it was somewhat outside of my comfort zone, but pitched at exacty the right level to make me want to learn more. Bring on the vampires!
by Phill Evans
I’ve just finished “Sex & Sexuality in Victorian Britain” by Violet Fenn and I have to say I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s a fun, easy and enjoyable read whilst being obviously well researched and respectful of it’s subject. I was really impressed by the way the book looks beyond the experience of the individual and puts it within the context not only of the society as was, with its own history and values, but poses them as a staging point upon which our own society and its confused views of sex, sexuality, gender and power are framed.
by M. G. Casteleijn
Witty, flirty and chock-full of facts and quirks I couldn’t put this down. Violet has a no nonsense, but utterly delightful way of painting colourful visions not unlike Nick Cave. The detailed imagery and sheer amount of facts kept me interested long after I put the book down. I became fascinated with putting faces to the names and was surprised how much I actually learned about this very interesting era. Loved it!!
by cartoon
an easy to read , small book with a chatty entertaining style. I was reminded of my own research in British library following a Fingersmith obsession and also the study of Victorian gothic during my degree. I really enjoyed the trip to Highgate cemetery [one to visit after lock down]. This isn’t a dry historical thesis but a book to sit with A curious history of sex by Kate Lister and Sex, death and punishment by Richard Davenport Hines on my book shelf.
by LJBentley
One of my favourite period in history has to be the Victorian era. I will actively read books set during this time – fiction and non-fiction – just because the world was so fascinating. The changes that were occurring not just industrially but also socially – it always makes for an interesting read.
It was due to this that I was intrigued to read Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain. What made it even more interesting for me is that it isn’t focused on London which to be fair is usually the location for a lot of books on Victoriana. This book had links to my hometown of Liverpool. Hurrah.
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain was fantastic. It was an academic book without the need of academia to be able to read, understand, and enjoy it. It was eye-opening and titillating all at once. Fenn has researched hr topic well and added the element of heart – something that sometimes lacks in other texts of this ilk. I hoovered this book, relishing every page and any fan of history should find enjoyment between these pages.
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain by Violet Fenn is available now.
by Ophelia Sings
While there’s not much here that anyone with more than a passing knowledge of the subject won’t already know, Violet Fenn’s romp through nineteenth century sexuality is nonetheless a sparkling, engaging exploration of all things lacy, racy and Victorian. Chatty and accessible, it’s a dip in-able compendium which lays to rest some myths and offers up a few surprises. It’s not an academic tome, and neither is it meant to be, but it certainly whets the appetite for more research on what is a fascinating topic.
Fenn clearly knows her subject inside out and has a great passion for it – her enthusiasm fair leaps off the page, as does her empathy for those who found themselves – usually through no fault of their own – on the ‘wrong’ side of Victorian society.
A little short, perhaps – one is just getting into it and it’s over. Hm.
Oh, and extra points for the beautiful cover and the mention of Nick Cave.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
by Rebekka K. Steg
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain by Violet Fenn does exactly what the title says. It is entertaining, educational and thought-provoking and will give you new and surprising insights into the “prudish” Victorians and will show you that they’re not so different as you might have thought.
*I received a free copy through Netgalley, but the review is my own opinion*