Libertines and Radicals in Early Modern London: Sexuality, Politics and Literary Culture, 1630–1685

by James Grantham Turner

This study analyzes English sexual culture between the Civil Wars and the death of Charles II in unprecedented detail. James Grantham Turner examines a broad range of Civil War and Restoration texts, from sex-crime records to Milton's epics and Rochester's "mannerly obscene" lyrics. Throughout, he interprets satirical texts, whether political or pornographic, as an attempt to neutralize women's efforts to establish their own institutions and voice. This exhaustive study will be of interest to cultural historians as well as literary scholars.

Genres: History, British Literature

368 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2001

Reviews

[Trinity Benstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. Academic work at its finest.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should, really, be five stars, as it deserves it, but there was a little to much theoretical meandering at times (though this is a very minor quibble) for me. All in all, if you are interested in this period, and wonderful events like the Bawdy House Riots, then check it out. They were a saucy, witty bunch those mid 17thc Londoners, and there are some great, ignored, texts out there that deserve a modern readership. This should start you on your way...