Sex and Sexuality in Georgian Britain

by Mike Rendell

Overview

Ecerything you ever wanted to know about sex during the reigns of Georges I-IV, Peek Beneath the Bed Sheets 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 behaviour, 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 behaviour? 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526755629
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	12/11/2020
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Mike Rendell has written many books, all of them about Georgian England. His interest in the period was inspired by a fascinating cache of papers left by his 18th century ancestors. His other books with Pen & Sword include ‘In Bed with the Georgians: Sex, Scandal and Satire in the 18th Century’, ‘Trailblazing Women of the Georgian Era’ and 'Pirates & Privateers in the 18th Century: The Final Flourish'.

When not writing, he spends his time talking on Georgian topics both in Britain and abroad, and in particular on board cruise ships. He travels extensively but his home is on the edge of Dartmoor.

Table of Contents

Preface vi

Chapter 1 Matters Medical 1

Chapter 2 London: As Others Saw Us 10

Chapter 3 How Royalty and the Rich Behaved 23

Chapter 4 Courtesans, Celebrity Whores and Fashionistas 35

Chapter 5 Of Virginity and Masturbation, of Dildos and Sex Aids 52

Chapter 6 Aphrodisiacs, Libido and Fertility 62

Chapter 7 Ways of Avoiding Pregnancy: Including Contraception and Abortion 71

Chapter 8 Sexually Transmitted Diseases and their Treatment 81

Chapter 9 Rape 94

Chapter 10 Bigamy, Bestiality and Brothel-keeping 107

Chapter 11 Where it All Happened: Brothels, Bagnios and Jelly Houses 116

Chapter 12 Sodomites 126

Chapter 13 Sapphites, Flagellation and Cross-dressers 140

Chapter 14 Sex and Sexuality in Eighteenth-century Literature and Art 153

Conclusion 165

Appendix 1 169

Appendix 2 177

Bibliography 183

Index 189