Sex in Georgian England: Attitudes and Prejudices from the 1720s to the 1820s

by Arnold P. Harvey

Using the evidence of medical texts, trial records, government statistics, pamphlets, autobiographies, novels, poems, plays, dress fashions, pornographic engravings and paintings by members of the Royal Academy, this book shows how the eighteenth century constructed the stereotype of female purity and passivity which was to be inherited by the Victorians.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, 18th Century, Historical, Writing, Regency, Reference

205 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Wealhtheow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched history of the attitudes, assumptions, and beliefs surrounding sexuality in eighteenth century England. Harvey presents evidence on all sorts of aspects, from condom use dynamics to sexual positions (standing up, or leaning against things, was a particular favorite of the time, and "undressing" generally just meant outer garments--shifts usually stayed on, so true nakedness was rare) to the hilarious shift in perception that took place regarding women's libido: before the 1700s women were assumed to be far lustier, and afterwards were considered to have so little interest in sex that having any was grounds for psychiatric diagnosis. Harvey writes with an enjoyably arch tone but always backs up his points with loads of endnotes and quotes--even tables of rape and prostitution statistics!

[Sophie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely the most complete canvassing of the topic I've found so far. Extremely well-researched and quite readable even though it's approached in an academic manner. One thing Harvey did a particularly good job with was keeping excerpts short. I'm all for quoting primary sources, but particularly from this era that can be quite long-winded, they need to be kept focused on the central point.

[Penny Hampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched scholarly study; useful to anyone interested in attitudes to women, homosexuality, and sex in general, during the Georgian period. Contains an excellent bibliography for further research.

[Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may return to write a lengthier review when time permits. For now, in brief: Sex in Georgian England is more textbook than light read and as such is drier but seems to be more accurate than other histories of sexuality that I have come across. Its author writes intelligently and is rigorous in his fact checking. The sources referenced are numerous. A well informed read, then, but one that occasionally feels a little non-committal in Harvey's reluctance to explore anything beyond the concrete. It's best read for academic purposes, rather than entertainment.

[Jennifer]

Got distracted and this book got returned to Duke.

[Steelwhisper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for writers and those just interested in the topic! Lovely.

[Bronwen Whyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relentless in outlining the double standards of the expectations of female sexuality.