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  • The Fires of Lust

  • Sex in the Middle Ages
  • By: Katherine Harvey
  • Narrated by: Corrie James
  • Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)
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The Fires of Lust cover art

The Fires of Lust

By: Katherine Harvey
Narrated by: Corrie James
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Summary

An illuminating exploration of the surprisingly familiar sex lives of ordinary medieval people.

The medieval humoral system of medicine suggested that it was possible to die from having too much - or too little - sex, while the Roman Catholic Church taught that virginity was the ideal state. Holy men and women committed themselves to lifelong abstinence in the name of religion. Everyone was forced to conform to restrictive rules about who they could have sex with, in what way, how often, and even when, and could be harshly punished for getting it wrong. 

Other experiences are more familiar. Like us, medieval people faced challenges in finding a suitable partner or trying to get pregnant (or trying not to). They also struggled with many of the same social issues, such as whether prostitution should be legalized. Above all, they shared our fondness for dirty jokes and erotic images. By exploring their sex lives, the book brings ordinary medieval people to life, revealing details of their most personal thoughts and experiences. Ultimately, it provides us with an important and intimate connection to the past.

Contains mature themes.
©2021 Katherine Harvey (P)2021 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
Medieval Religion Middle Ages
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Profile Image for Rachel Mace

A witty examination of medieval attitudes

Katherine dismantles modern preconceptions of medieval attitudes to sex and the body, through an examination of contemporary sources. A thoroughly entertaining and interesting listen.

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