'Expansive and accessible; Peter Stearns' Sexuality in World History offers a much needed introduction to histories of sexuality from a global perspective.' – Mary Spongberg- Head of Department of Modern History; Macquarie University; USA This book examines sexuality in the past; and explores how it helps explain sexuality in the present. The subject of sexuality is often a controversial one; and exploring it through a world history perspective emphasises the extent to which societies; including our own; are still reacting to historical change through contemporary sexual behaviours; values; and debates. The study uses a clear chronological structure to focus on major patterns and changes in sexuality – both sexual culture and sexual behaviours – in the main periods of world history; with comparison and discussion across cultures and societies. Topics covered include: issues involved in studying the history of sexuality the sexual implications of the transition from hunting and gathering economies to agricultural economies sexuality in Classical societies the post-Classical period and the spread of the world religions sex in an age of trade and colonies changes in sexual behaviours and sexual attitudes between 1750 and 1950 sex in contemporary world history. The book is a vital contribution to the study of world history; and is the perfect companion for all students of the history of sexuality.
#2365652 in Books Susan Mary Grant 2015-09-02 2015-08-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .51 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0415656540224 pagesOliver Wendell Holmes Jr Civil War Soldier Supreme Court Justice Routledge Historical Americans
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A New Justice Holmes BioBy Ronald H. ClarkHaving read virtually every Holmes bio; I had minimal hopes for this new volume. First; it is relatively short--169 pages of text and notes; 30 pages devoted to 10 related documents. Second; the author is a British academic historian with no prior involvement with Holmes. Finally; what really new could be said about Holmes? I could not have been more mistaken.While the book covers the conventional aspects of OWH's life--Boston youth; Civil War warrior; postwar education and scholarship; appointment to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the U.S. Supreme Court; and his judicial legacy--the author has managed to develop a somewhat fresh and novel interpretation which makes her analysis really come alive. She is not afraid to challenge some conventional theories about Holmes; for example; she is not at all convinced that his Civil War experience; as brutal as it may have been; played such a dominant role in shaping his character and later outlook. The author also succinctly discusses some of the major books that shaped the different ideological periods of his life. For example; Ida Tarbell's History of Standard Oil; Henry Demarest Lloyd's "Wealth against Commonwealth;" and Henry George's "Progress and Poverty;" as well as his membership in the famous philosophical Metaphysical Club; are all touched upon--particularly appropriate given OWH's extensive background and interests in philosophy and literature.The big issue re Holmes is what made him tick? The author wisely points out that between his birth (1841) and death (1935); the U.S. population went from 17 million to 124 million. That is; a whole bunch of change took place during his very long life which should caution us about too easily developing psychological theories to explain his thinking. In fact; the author's Holmes; especially in his formative period; emerges somewhat foggy and indistinct since we are not really sure how much he saw the Civil War as a necessary end to slavery; why he concluded he could continue to indulge in philosophy while practicing law; and why he concluded that objective external standards of behavior were better than motive and intentions in assigning legal liability. So the author does not profess to have all the answers about Holmes; and this enhances her credibility.Some aspects of the book particularly stand out. Her analysis of Holmes in the Civil War is probably the best I have ever seen. She chides many students of OWH for passing over too quickly his 20 year period on the Supreme Judicial Court prior to TR's elevation of him to the U.S. Supreme Court. She also argues that Holmes fundamentally was an "evolutionary historian" in his legal scholarship. The author covers some of OWH's major Supreme Court decision; but while this is not a book of sophisticated legal analysis; the key points come through. The author also finishes up with one of the most important aspects of Holmes; his surprising popular conversion into a liberal "great dissenter" because of the proselytizing activities of Frankfurter; Walter Lippmann; and other folks at the "New Republic."In a short book; the author cannot focus upon all aspects of Holmes or any in exhaustive detail. Her book is a suggestive interpretation with elements that many will challenge. But as a short treatment of Holmes; or as one important building blocks for serious students of the Justice; this book is somewhat essential. Her bibliography and notes are quite helpful in highlighting the key documentary evidence on Holmes. I am certainly quite happy to repudiate my mistaken assumptions about this book and declare it is indeed a fine volume worth anyone's serious attention.
