First published in 1934, "Sex Life in England" explores the history and development of sexual behaviour in England throughout history, looking at the concept of debauchery, famous people and cases, sexual perversion in the Arts, and much more. This volume will appeal to those with an interest in how ideas surrounding sex have changed over the years, and it would make for a fantastic addition to collections of allied literature. Contents include: "Debauchers of Court Life," "Gallant Ladies," "Famous Rakes," "Indecent Fashions," "Sexual Quacks," "Homosexuality," "Sadism and Masochism," "Curious Sexual Instruments," "Flagellation," "Sexual Perversions," "Indecency in the Theatre," "Music and Immorality," "Erotic Dancing and Pastimes," etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality, edition complete with the original text and artwork.

From the acclaimed author of the Rose Trilogy, “a terrific, informative read for the armchair historian. A fascinating read, packed with juicy details” (Elizabeth Chadwick, New York Times–bestselling author). The Tudor period has long gripped our imaginations. Because we have consumed so many costume dramas on TV and film, read so many histories, factual or romanticized, we think we know how this society operated. We know they “did” romance but how did they do sex? In this affectionate, informative, and fascinating look at sex and sexuality in Tudor times, author Carol McGrath peeks beneath the bedsheets of late fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century England to offer a genuine understanding of the romantic and sexual habits of our Tudor ancestors. Find out the truth about “swiving,” “bawds,” “shaking the sheets” and “the deed of darkness.” Discover the infamous indiscretions and scandals, feast day rituals, the Southwark Stews, and even city streets whose names indicated their use for sexual pleasure. Explore Tudor fashion: the codpiece, slashed hose, and doublets, women’s layered dressing with partlets, overgowns, and stomachers laced tightly in place. What was the Church view on morality, witchcraft, and the female body? On which days could married couples indulge in sex and why? How were same sex relationships perceived? How common was adultery? How did they deal with contraception and how did Tudors attempt to cure venereal disease? And how did people bend and ignore all these rules? “[This] fascinating book explores the VERY unsavoury history of sex in Tudor England.” —Daily Mail

What did sex mean for ordinary people before the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, who were often pitied by later generations as repressed, unfulfilled and full of moral anxiety? This book provides the first rounded, first-hand account of sexuality in marriage in the early and mid-twentieth century. These award-winning authors look beyond conventions of silence among the respectable majority to challenge stereotypes of ignorance and inhibition. Based on vivid, compelling and frank testimonies from a socially and geographically diverse range of individuals, the book explores a spectrum of sexual experiences, from learning about sex and sexual practices in courtship, to attitudes to the body, marital ideals and birth control. It demonstrates that while the era's emphasis on silence and strict moral codes could for some be a source of inhibition and dissatisfaction, for many the culture of privacy and innocence was central to fulfilling and pleasurable intimate lives.

An expert in Stuart England examines the sexual lives of Britons in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries in this frank, informative, and revealing history. Acclaimed Stuart historian Andrea Zuvich explores the sexual mores of Stuart Britain, including surprising beliefs, bizarre practices, and ingenious solutions for infertility, impotence, sexually transmitted diseases, and more. Along the way, she reveals much about the prevailing attitudes towards male and female sexual behavior. Zuvich sheds light not only on the saucy love lives of the Royal Stuarts, but also on the dark underbelly of the Stuart era with histories of prostitution, sexual violence, infanticide, and sexual deviance. She looks at everything from what was considered sexually attractive to the penalties for adultery, incest, and fornication. Sex and Sexuality in Stuart Britain touches on the fashion, food, science, art, medicine, magic, literature, love, politics, faith and superstition of the day.

“A thorough examination of the morals and mindset of Georgian Britons towards sex and sexuality . . . well-written, engaging and educational.” —Caitlyn Lynch, USA Today-bestselling author Peek beneath the bedsheets of eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Britain in this affectionate, informative and fascinating look at sex and sexuality during the reigns of Georges I-IV. 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 Georgian Britain 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 enlightened and with a new regard for the ingenuity and character of our ancestors. “This book was funny, at times, and for a slim volume is quite comprehensive . . . Good introduction to the period, very easy to read and entertaining.” —Rosie Writes . . .

Explores sexual behavior in the Elizabethan age through the literature and literary personalities of the period. A discussion of brothels, love and marriage, homosexuality, and transvestism included.

“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

'There's a lot of stigma attached to sex. Particularly with women, you have a big dichotomy between: Do you have sex? Do you not? Do you be a slut? Do you be a virgin? Do you be a prude? Do you be a man-whore? You can't really win.' Women are always being told how to be sexy, but are rarely asked what actually turns them on. Wendy Jones wanted to find out, so she interviewed twenty-four women from all walks of life, including a burlesque dancer, a girl guide leader, a shop assistant, a ninety-four year old who remembers the sexual freedom of the war, a transexual, a nun, a feminist into BDSM, a covered Muslim, a mother, a student, a polyamorist, and a sexual healer. The women talked about their lives, bodies, sexual fantasies and relationships, about what they've learned, how they have been hurt, what they enjoy and what they long for. The interviews are frank, engaging, and surprising. Each woman is unique but together they speak for a majority, and it's time we listened. This honest and inspiring exploration of female desire will change the way we think and talk about sex forever. 'English women have a reputation for being reserved and uptight; actually behind closed doors we're outrageous.'

How was the law used to control sex in Tudor England? What were the differences between secular and religious practice? This major study, based on a wide range of church and secular court archives, explores sexual regulation in London and provincial England before, during and immediately after the Reformation.

The field of sexual behaviour has been notoriously neglected in social research and there has been no major survey of sexual behaviour since the Kinsey report in the late 1950s. Various social and health problems, including the AIDS epidemic and the increase in teenage pregnancies have recently underlined the need for an up to date and authoritative analysis of current sexual behaviour. Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles is the result of a major statistical survey of the sexual behaviours and attitudes of 20,000 UK citizens, collected by written questionnaires and face to face interviews. It is the most comprehensive and up to date source of information on human sexual behaviour available and the first official UK-based resource ever published.