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Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain
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 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 Victorian times 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 uplifted and with a new regard for the ingenuity and character of our great-great-grandparents.
Did the people in Victorian times 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 uplifted and with a new regard for the ingenuity and character of our great-great-grandparents.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2020
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April 10, 2020
This short non-fiction did everything it set out to do in the title - discoursed upon various topics related to sex and sexuality in Victorian Britain. Everything from courting to pornography, from clothing to sexual health was considered and it did a great job of giving an oversight to these various topics. I also appreciated that this provided stories from various Victorian individuals and their relation to the subjects currently under discussion at their point of entry into the narrative.
I did, however, find myself eager to delve deeper into certain themes and issues that the scant page count did not allow for. This did provide a cursory overview and I now have some prior knowledge when researching further, into these areas.
One such topic I wished had far more page time was that of consent. Unless I am mistaken only a page was dedicated towards it at the beginning and a slightly larger latter section. The term 'teenager' was not know to the Victorians and so all those aged 12 and over were classed as adult. Later topics, such as sex toys and pornography, were decidedly icky to read about when you considered the young age of those who would be indulging or forced to indulge. Fenn, however, never seems to comment again on the children potentially involved in such horror.
Overall, this was an interesting read, even if I wished certain points were considered further and beyond what their segments allowed for.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Violet Fenn, and the publisher,Pen and Sword History , for this opportunity.
I did, however, find myself eager to delve deeper into certain themes and issues that the scant page count did not allow for. This did provide a cursory overview and I now have some prior knowledge when researching further, into these areas.
One such topic I wished had far more page time was that of consent. Unless I am mistaken only a page was dedicated towards it at the beginning and a slightly larger latter section. The term 'teenager' was not know to the Victorians and so all those aged 12 and over were classed as adult. Later topics, such as sex toys and pornography, were decidedly icky to read about when you considered the young age of those who would be indulging or forced to indulge. Fenn, however, never seems to comment again on the children potentially involved in such horror.
Overall, this was an interesting read, even if I wished certain points were considered further and beyond what their segments allowed for.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Violet Fenn, and the publisher,Pen and Sword History , for this opportunity.
March 23, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Somebody from a small book circle told me about this book. The title caught my attention. Who isn’t interested in the sexual lives of a society we usually know as being prudish, hypocritical and secretive?
The title pretty much says it all: Fenn discusses how sex, sexuality and gender were viewed in Victorian Britain, covering a wide range of topics; from the sex life of married couples and prostitution to contraception, the literary and artistic depictions of sex and homosexuality. Of course, Fenn also talks about the different expectations placed on men and women and some differences between the middle- and upper-class and the lower class.
All in all, the text is informative and gives a good overview of different topics in bite sized chunks, allowing the reader to get good perspective in a few short pages. Personally, the writing style is a mixed bag: on the one hand, you can easily understand each topic (for those who fear a “dry” academic style) and it’s told in an engaging manner; however, on the other hand, the style also tends to be too colloquial, bordering on questionable. I would’ve preferred that Fenn didn’t write so flowery and humorous for certain topics as they’re absolutely unfit for what she’s discussing.
An example: she talks about how nowadays we believe that Victorians used machines with attached dildos to cure women from various illnesses, claiming that it’s not proven. She never backs up her claims with actual sources or proof. And as far as I know, these women weren't abused by machines but normal dildos used by doctors.
But even if all of this is a modern fabrication (despite the fact that there is proof that people invented such machines and used dildos to “cure” women, which Fenn even mentions in her text), the problem is that she talks about this form of sexual assault and rape the following way: “one sexy story” and “jaw-dropping naughtiness”.
These women, who were often forced into asylums because they didn’t follow the patriarchal script of proper womanhood, like daring to be independent, poor, a prostitute or whatever other transgression, were RAPED with these dildos. They didn’t and couldn’t consent to being “healed” when they’re literally imprisoned and being treated for things like wanting too much sex or not wanting sex enough or being “hysterical”.
It’s not sexy and jaw-dropping naughty, it’s sexual assault. Fenn is talking about how these women were sexually abused and continues to use her flippant jokester voice to talk about such a sensitive, horrible and traumatising subject. And this is neither the first nor the last time where Fenn uses such “flowery” jokester language to talk about serious topics. I nearly DNFed the book that moment.
Since I’m talking about the writing style, I want to mention another thing. Right at the beginning she says that we should view perspectives from that time during the lens of Victorian society and analyse it through that context. We shouldn't “judge them” by “modern” standards.
As an historian I call bullshit.
First, just because some things are generally viewed as okay to say, doesn’t make it okay. For example, the N-word wasn’t okay to use then and it isn’t okay to use today. There are still people who use slurs nowadays. It is, in fact, still socially acceptable in many places to use slurs. Just because racists use the N-word, does not make it okay! And it’s always “well twenty/thirty/whatever years ago things were different!” and people will continue using this excuse twenty/thirty/whatever years from now saying that “back then”/today it was used as well.
Just because something is socially acceptable for SOME people, especially the dominant culture, in this case White, heteronormative, patriarchal society, does NOT make it less wrong.
Second, this position does not make for good historical analysis. Yes, we need to understand things within their context but this does NOT mean that we cannot and should not judge Victorian society. To claim otherwise is bad historical work and leads to continuing those ideas as okay until today.
Third, Fenn, despite insisting numerous times that we shouldn’t dare judge Victorian society by “modern standards”, judges Victorian society by modern standards whenever she feels like it. This leads to a rather hypocritical standpoint as she says that paedophilia in Victorian Britain shouldn’t be called that because age of consent was twelve and thus, we cannot judge but turns around and judge sexism by modern standards. This happens on various occasions and it’s honestly irritating. It’s incongruent, either you criticise both equally or none but picking and choosing which one you (rightfully) judge and which ones you don’t is hypocritical.
There’s another example we she talks about nude photography and says that nude photographs of children were normal and not seen as erotic but just “appreciation” for young bodies and…no. please, stop. That is the thinnest veneer of excuses used to disseminate early child pornography. If somebody would take pictures of naked posing children in obvious erotic poses, most people wouldn’t accept the excuse of “it’s art” or “just pretty images” because it’s an excuse and we know it!
If the people in power use arguments to excuse their abuse of power, then we should be all the more critical of their logic and not reproduce it uncritically, as Fenn does. Yes, sure, men said that taking pictures of naked children was okay and they sold those in erotic bookstores. Does that mean that the photographs were neutral and just “pretty images” or does it rather mean that the people in power were using the thinnest of excuses for their paedophilia?
A real historical analysis wouldn’t just reproduce these arguments but question them and see them for what they are. The powerful will always claim that what they’re doing is alright because [reason].
Fenn therefore tends to reproduce Victorian perspectives uncritically and presents them as facts. That’s sloppy historical writing. Fenn is not a historian and it shows, including in the lack of sources. She sometimes incorporates books, newspapers or essay titles within the text but the rest, all the historical analysis, archival material and secondary sources remain unnamed. I, as a reader, cannot follow the path she took to come to her descriptions and conclusions. This is meant to be an historical overview but the historical part, the researching, thinking and sciencing, is cut out. I have no idea what historians she consulted to write this book and so I can’t check for inaccuracies, correct summaries or questionable source material.
She also falls into the trap of Othering Victorian society in quite a few instances. She mentions several times how religious Victorian Britain was and how religious doctrines dictated the treatment of men, women and sex. But she fails to see or acknowledge that 1. It’s highly improbably that everybody blindly followed the doctrines. It was just a handy excuse to discriminate, and 2. This exist today, too. We still have Christians who think very similar to Victorian society and use their religion to oppress and suppress people. Just off the top of my head: the constant struggle of reproductive rights and abortion; the virgin-whore dichotomy for women; the vilification of female sexuality; patriarchy; the subjugation of women; how children are seen as tiny adults and thus their abuse is okay; the abuse of LGBQT+ people; victim blaming; etc. etc.
I highly doubt that Victorians were more superstitious and religious and it’s even more doubtful that, as Fenn claims, our society is more open. Ultimately, it depends who you ask and thus which source you use. If you read super-conservative material from the Victorian era you think that everybody were buttoned-up sexists and homophobes. Much like asking for example Evangelicals will give you a completely different view on society and the role of people and how they can and should express themselves than when you talk to a queer person or BIPOC or woman of colour.
Also, as an addendum: Fenn strongly focuses on White experiences. Especially in regards to how women were treated because women of colour doe NOT appear in this book so any discussion of gender, sex and racism is lacking.
It becomes obvious, for example, when she talks about the ports and prostitution or gynaecology. In the latter she says that women today – at least in the first world countries, as she emphasises – have relatively safe births. Only, that isn’t true if you look at statistics. A quick glance at Black women in the US, for example, reveals absolute medical neglect. Black women are dying because they aren’t treated properly (if at all), misdiagnosed and just plain ignored. Black women die at a higher rate because of racism. Even famous athletes and entertainers aren’t exempt from this! Look at Serena Williams and Beyoncé who both nearly died because of complications during childbirth.
The fact that Fenn glosses over intersectional problems and solely discusses women and feminism through the lens of White women is an absolute shame and robs us from rich and important historical analysis. The experience for White women is not the same as for WOC. That should be acknowledged.
Speaking of sources. Fenn repeatedly uses the phrase “a quick internet search shows us that…” and I cannot say how horribly stupid that is. The internet in itself is not a source. Search engines and image boards are not historical sources. She especially uses it in context of images, like ads and photographs.
Again, I’m a historian/art historian and one of my research topics is historical photography and I can’t tell you how much BS there is online regarding historical photographs. “A quick internet search” is NOT research, historical analysis or even representative. It’s often fed with wrong information by people who have zero education within the field.
Source she could have mentioned: museum and archive collections. Yes, they do exist, even online! And they’re usually held up to a certain standard in terms of quality and content control, curated by professionals with care and interest in correct information. I can’t even tell you the times that I’ve seen historical photographs online with complete wrong information, spreading ahistorical garbage and people just picking up the same wrong info over and over again. How many times have I seen photographs of “samurai” and “Japanese warrior women”?
And here comes Fenn, who never cites a source, and just tells you to “google it”. This enrages me so much. It’s irresponsible.
For the love of all that is holy, do NOT go full German TV and say “Source: Internet”. This is an honest to gods age old meme in German speaking countries because German TV programs would cite their sources like that. The internet has been making fun of this for well over fifteen years.
What’s my conclusion?
The book is generally interesting. It gives a good overview of many relevant topics and the writing style is accessible. But it lacks quite a few perspectives. Fenn also doesn’t cite sources, writes in purple prose making jokey-jokes at inappropriate times, reproduces Victorian perspectives uncritically and contradicts herself at various points.
This book is more entertainment and because of all of the points above, I can’t even say that it’s accurate because I simply don’t know since I can’t control any of the information. Furthermore, her lack of critical thinking and analysis, as well as her use of “Source: Internet” as the height of historical research in regards to photography, makes me question a lot of the information found in this book. I don’t disbelief everything per se and I’m sure that many things are summarised correctly but there were many instances where I highly doubted the information given, especially biographical ones, as they tend to be messy, but again, I can’t factcheck anything because she doesn’t cite sources.
The book is meant to entertain but it’s also an historical overview. Just because something is meant to entertain, does not mean it should be held to a lower scientific standard. It should matter even more because this will be widely read as it is a short book with an enticing topic to entertain readers.
I’m honestly disappointed.
Somebody from a small book circle told me about this book. The title caught my attention. Who isn’t interested in the sexual lives of a society we usually know as being prudish, hypocritical and secretive?
The title pretty much says it all: Fenn discusses how sex, sexuality and gender were viewed in Victorian Britain, covering a wide range of topics; from the sex life of married couples and prostitution to contraception, the literary and artistic depictions of sex and homosexuality. Of course, Fenn also talks about the different expectations placed on men and women and some differences between the middle- and upper-class and the lower class.
All in all, the text is informative and gives a good overview of different topics in bite sized chunks, allowing the reader to get good perspective in a few short pages. Personally, the writing style is a mixed bag: on the one hand, you can easily understand each topic (for those who fear a “dry” academic style) and it’s told in an engaging manner; however, on the other hand, the style also tends to be too colloquial, bordering on questionable. I would’ve preferred that Fenn didn’t write so flowery and humorous for certain topics as they’re absolutely unfit for what she’s discussing.
An example: she talks about how nowadays we believe that Victorians used machines with attached dildos to cure women from various illnesses, claiming that it’s not proven. She never backs up her claims with actual sources or proof. And as far as I know, these women weren't abused by machines but normal dildos used by doctors.
But even if all of this is a modern fabrication (despite the fact that there is proof that people invented such machines and used dildos to “cure” women, which Fenn even mentions in her text), the problem is that she talks about this form of sexual assault and rape the following way: “one sexy story” and “jaw-dropping naughtiness”.
These women, who were often forced into asylums because they didn’t follow the patriarchal script of proper womanhood, like daring to be independent, poor, a prostitute or whatever other transgression, were RAPED with these dildos. They didn’t and couldn’t consent to being “healed” when they’re literally imprisoned and being treated for things like wanting too much sex or not wanting sex enough or being “hysterical”.
It’s not sexy and jaw-dropping naughty, it’s sexual assault. Fenn is talking about how these women were sexually abused and continues to use her flippant jokester voice to talk about such a sensitive, horrible and traumatising subject. And this is neither the first nor the last time where Fenn uses such “flowery” jokester language to talk about serious topics. I nearly DNFed the book that moment.
Since I’m talking about the writing style, I want to mention another thing. Right at the beginning she says that we should view perspectives from that time during the lens of Victorian society and analyse it through that context. We shouldn't “judge them” by “modern” standards.
As an historian I call bullshit.
First, just because some things are generally viewed as okay to say, doesn’t make it okay. For example, the N-word wasn’t okay to use then and it isn’t okay to use today. There are still people who use slurs nowadays. It is, in fact, still socially acceptable in many places to use slurs. Just because racists use the N-word, does not make it okay! And it’s always “well twenty/thirty/whatever years ago things were different!” and people will continue using this excuse twenty/thirty/whatever years from now saying that “back then”/today it was used as well.
Just because something is socially acceptable for SOME people, especially the dominant culture, in this case White, heteronormative, patriarchal society, does NOT make it less wrong.
Second, this position does not make for good historical analysis. Yes, we need to understand things within their context but this does NOT mean that we cannot and should not judge Victorian society. To claim otherwise is bad historical work and leads to continuing those ideas as okay until today.
Third, Fenn, despite insisting numerous times that we shouldn’t dare judge Victorian society by “modern standards”, judges Victorian society by modern standards whenever she feels like it. This leads to a rather hypocritical standpoint as she says that paedophilia in Victorian Britain shouldn’t be called that because age of consent was twelve and thus, we cannot judge but turns around and judge sexism by modern standards. This happens on various occasions and it’s honestly irritating. It’s incongruent, either you criticise both equally or none but picking and choosing which one you (rightfully) judge and which ones you don’t is hypocritical.
There’s another example we she talks about nude photography and says that nude photographs of children were normal and not seen as erotic but just “appreciation” for young bodies and…no. please, stop. That is the thinnest veneer of excuses used to disseminate early child pornography. If somebody would take pictures of naked posing children in obvious erotic poses, most people wouldn’t accept the excuse of “it’s art” or “just pretty images” because it’s an excuse and we know it!
If the people in power use arguments to excuse their abuse of power, then we should be all the more critical of their logic and not reproduce it uncritically, as Fenn does. Yes, sure, men said that taking pictures of naked children was okay and they sold those in erotic bookstores. Does that mean that the photographs were neutral and just “pretty images” or does it rather mean that the people in power were using the thinnest of excuses for their paedophilia?
A real historical analysis wouldn’t just reproduce these arguments but question them and see them for what they are. The powerful will always claim that what they’re doing is alright because [reason].
Fenn therefore tends to reproduce Victorian perspectives uncritically and presents them as facts. That’s sloppy historical writing. Fenn is not a historian and it shows, including in the lack of sources. She sometimes incorporates books, newspapers or essay titles within the text but the rest, all the historical analysis, archival material and secondary sources remain unnamed. I, as a reader, cannot follow the path she took to come to her descriptions and conclusions. This is meant to be an historical overview but the historical part, the researching, thinking and sciencing, is cut out. I have no idea what historians she consulted to write this book and so I can’t check for inaccuracies, correct summaries or questionable source material.
She also falls into the trap of Othering Victorian society in quite a few instances. She mentions several times how religious Victorian Britain was and how religious doctrines dictated the treatment of men, women and sex. But she fails to see or acknowledge that 1. It’s highly improbably that everybody blindly followed the doctrines. It was just a handy excuse to discriminate, and 2. This exist today, too. We still have Christians who think very similar to Victorian society and use their religion to oppress and suppress people. Just off the top of my head: the constant struggle of reproductive rights and abortion; the virgin-whore dichotomy for women; the vilification of female sexuality; patriarchy; the subjugation of women; how children are seen as tiny adults and thus their abuse is okay; the abuse of LGBQT+ people; victim blaming; etc. etc.
I highly doubt that Victorians were more superstitious and religious and it’s even more doubtful that, as Fenn claims, our society is more open. Ultimately, it depends who you ask and thus which source you use. If you read super-conservative material from the Victorian era you think that everybody were buttoned-up sexists and homophobes. Much like asking for example Evangelicals will give you a completely different view on society and the role of people and how they can and should express themselves than when you talk to a queer person or BIPOC or woman of colour.
Also, as an addendum: Fenn strongly focuses on White experiences. Especially in regards to how women were treated because women of colour doe NOT appear in this book so any discussion of gender, sex and racism is lacking.
It becomes obvious, for example, when she talks about the ports and prostitution or gynaecology. In the latter she says that women today – at least in the first world countries, as she emphasises – have relatively safe births. Only, that isn’t true if you look at statistics. A quick glance at Black women in the US, for example, reveals absolute medical neglect. Black women are dying because they aren’t treated properly (if at all), misdiagnosed and just plain ignored. Black women die at a higher rate because of racism. Even famous athletes and entertainers aren’t exempt from this! Look at Serena Williams and Beyoncé who both nearly died because of complications during childbirth.
The fact that Fenn glosses over intersectional problems and solely discusses women and feminism through the lens of White women is an absolute shame and robs us from rich and important historical analysis. The experience for White women is not the same as for WOC. That should be acknowledged.
Speaking of sources. Fenn repeatedly uses the phrase “a quick internet search shows us that…” and I cannot say how horribly stupid that is. The internet in itself is not a source. Search engines and image boards are not historical sources. She especially uses it in context of images, like ads and photographs.
Again, I’m a historian/art historian and one of my research topics is historical photography and I can’t tell you how much BS there is online regarding historical photographs. “A quick internet search” is NOT research, historical analysis or even representative. It’s often fed with wrong information by people who have zero education within the field.
Source she could have mentioned: museum and archive collections. Yes, they do exist, even online! And they’re usually held up to a certain standard in terms of quality and content control, curated by professionals with care and interest in correct information. I can’t even tell you the times that I’ve seen historical photographs online with complete wrong information, spreading ahistorical garbage and people just picking up the same wrong info over and over again. How many times have I seen photographs of “samurai” and “Japanese warrior women”?
And here comes Fenn, who never cites a source, and just tells you to “google it”. This enrages me so much. It’s irresponsible.
For the love of all that is holy, do NOT go full German TV and say “Source: Internet”. This is an honest to gods age old meme in German speaking countries because German TV programs would cite their sources like that. The internet has been making fun of this for well over fifteen years.
What’s my conclusion?
The book is generally interesting. It gives a good overview of many relevant topics and the writing style is accessible. But it lacks quite a few perspectives. Fenn also doesn’t cite sources, writes in purple prose making jokey-jokes at inappropriate times, reproduces Victorian perspectives uncritically and contradicts herself at various points.
This book is more entertainment and because of all of the points above, I can’t even say that it’s accurate because I simply don’t know since I can’t control any of the information. Furthermore, her lack of critical thinking and analysis, as well as her use of “Source: Internet” as the height of historical research in regards to photography, makes me question a lot of the information found in this book. I don’t disbelief everything per se and I’m sure that many things are summarised correctly but there were many instances where I highly doubted the information given, especially biographical ones, as they tend to be messy, but again, I can’t factcheck anything because she doesn’t cite sources.
The book is meant to entertain but it’s also an historical overview. Just because something is meant to entertain, does not mean it should be held to a lower scientific standard. It should matter even more because this will be widely read as it is a short book with an enticing topic to entertain readers.
I’m honestly disappointed.
June 6, 2020
To an non-academic armchair social historian like me this was a very enjoyable and informative read, although I thought a little too short for the period of time it covers.
As an author of fantasy fiction, I'm always impressed and horrified by the ways in which real history can be so much more grim and dark than anything we could ever invent, and Fenn's description of the Victorian practice of "baby farming" only serves to prove that point.
Also, I never knew we had a Victorian courtesan to thank for the Gurkhas becoming a much valued part of the British Arny!
Anyway, an enjoyable and very readable account of the social mores of the times. Recommended.
As an author of fantasy fiction, I'm always impressed and horrified by the ways in which real history can be so much more grim and dark than anything we could ever invent, and Fenn's description of the Victorian practice of "baby farming" only serves to prove that point.
Also, I never knew we had a Victorian courtesan to thank for the Gurkhas becoming a much valued part of the British Arny!
Anyway, an enjoyable and very readable account of the social mores of the times. Recommended.
May 1, 2020
I think this one I have to score in the middle. It's a great idea to explore and I found some fascinating things. It's very well researched but for me I think it was a little too short. I would have liked more detail. I think as a starting point it's great but I was left wanting more. Some of the sections which cover consent and what amounts to rape didn't feel like they had the seriousness these topics deserved. Yes I know it was 'different times' but it still needed a little more brevity.
March 29, 2020
Short but interesting read in the history of sex in Victorian Britain, as it was so short I didn’t feel it went in depth into things or could always cover the subject properly, as such it felt more an introduction to the subject. It was interesting and written well, but felt needed to be more in-depth to be a history book that I would usually buy or read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
April 5, 2020
As a thank you to Netgalley and the publisher ( Pen and Sword History) for an advanced readers copy of Violet Fenn’s “Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain” I write this review. This book was a quick guide to how Victorian society received the individual and their journey expressing their sexuality. She examined class, politics, fashion, medicine, and love among the many intersectional variables to an individual’s sexual identity. This book lays the groundwork to how the Victorians conceptualized sexuality and give an everlasting impression on the importance of that era in British society. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and commend its use of prose in speaking candidly concerning intellectual concepts, and appreciated the authors' intellectual curiosity. I felt this was a brief yet conclusive examination at what Victorian society believed regarding sex and sexuality but showed importantly the humanity to which they lived. Overall I gave this book five out of five stars on Goodreads and highly recommend it. This title will be released on August 2nd, 2020.
June 10, 2020
This is a superbly and clearly written text that introduces the reader to the Victorians and their attitudes towards sex and sexuality, both publically and privately. Each chapter describes and discusses a different aspect of sex and sexuality during the period from fashions and courtship, virginity, pre-marital sex, and illegitimacy to marriage, divorce and adultery. Fenn also includes chapters on libido, kinks, and sex toys (yes those Victorians did indeed have sex toys), commercial pornography, sexual health and contraception, prostitution, and homosexuality, not to mention the chapter on the rather eye-opening sexual subtexts in art and literature. All of this is preceeded by the introduction that wonderfully sets the scene for the Victorian era, showing how much more there was to the era itself than we really give it credit for. Fenn's writing is truly superb, striking the balance between academic and objective and conversational and relaxed and it reads very much as though you and her are discussing Victorian sexuality amongst yourselves after attending a droning lecture on the subject. Granted there is so much more that could have been written for each chapter but Fenn herself acknowledges this in her preface, stating that she 'could easily have written an entire book on each individual topic', for which she begs forgiveness, siting the 'rabbit hole of curiosity' that you can find yourself in and the 'endless array of new and interesting things' that you can uncover while 'no doubt treading on some equally significant facts while skipping along in excitment'. These quotes alone show how passionate and intrigued Fenn is by the Victorians, both of which I share, and how keen she is to share these and spark the same level of curiosity and intrigue in her readers, something I would say this book certainly achieves.
June 14, 2020
As previous reviewers have mentioned this book is purely a very middle class white history of Victorians, which glosses over so many important subjects. As others have said the author tries to misogynisticly sex up the rape and abuse of women by doctors with dildos, she also glosses over age of consent, photographs of naked children and pays lip service to racism because she clearly hasn't bothered thinking about minority people existing in any meaningful way in Victorian times. I ended up feeling that it's a misogynistic anti feminist text that fetishises women's historical painful experience to indulge a salacious audience. I don't feel that enough research was done outside googling the internet. Certainly in the context of the doctor's and dildos she presents the stories as sexy and naughty - which does nothing to forward the understanding of womens real life history and only sees them as objects through the white male gaze. No thanks.
March 29, 2020
trigger warning
In the introduction, author Violet Fenn explaines what she set out to do: She researched Victorian every-day life, specially those parts nobody seems to talk about, and compiled a book of her most interestings finds.
This is not academical in any way, which is the only excuse she gives for having no footnotes. Which is a shame. Some of the more creative claims would have benefitted from added source material.
For the first few chapters, topics fade into each other fittingly, like the description of courting finishin with a general explanation of the layers men and especially women wore at that time.
Final chapter and conclusion felt unfinished, as if it were the first draft and not a finished version, and could have used more time and effort.
A big problem I have is with consent. The only way this is talked about is in the age of consent, that at the beginning of Victoria's reign was 12 and at the end was increased to thirteen. Consent is only being spoken about in legal terms, not in the application of it. The description of medical professionals fingering women for health benefits is talked about like a kinky phantasy, not like a violation of every boundary.
I don't really know what to make of this book. Some parts were very interesting, others not presented in an ideal way, some felt very, very iffy. It might be a good entry way to the topic, but if you're really interested, you probably already know the right books to consider.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the introduction, author Violet Fenn explaines what she set out to do: She researched Victorian every-day life, specially those parts nobody seems to talk about, and compiled a book of her most interestings finds.
This is not academical in any way, which is the only excuse she gives for having no footnotes. Which is a shame. Some of the more creative claims would have benefitted from added source material.
For the first few chapters, topics fade into each other fittingly, like the description of courting finishin with a general explanation of the layers men and especially women wore at that time.
Final chapter and conclusion felt unfinished, as if it were the first draft and not a finished version, and could have used more time and effort.
A big problem I have is with consent. The only way this is talked about is in the age of consent, that at the beginning of Victoria's reign was 12 and at the end was increased to thirteen. Consent is only being spoken about in legal terms, not in the application of it. The description of medical professionals fingering women for health benefits is talked about like a kinky phantasy, not like a violation of every boundary.
I don't really know what to make of this book. Some parts were very interesting, others not presented in an ideal way, some felt very, very iffy. It might be a good entry way to the topic, but if you're really interested, you probably already know the right books to consider.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2020
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain
is a phenomenal piece of non-fiction written by Violet Fenn. As a true history junkie, I was beyond excited when I got approved to read this book! I was a bit suspicious that I wouldn't like it before I started reading. And I was wrong. I sincerely enjoyed this book. It was educational and well-researched, so that didn't disappoint me. What I enjoyed most were the real-life examples and experiences of people from the Victorian age. I found it really interesting to read their letters and diary entries.
My favourite chapter is Lifting the Lid on Lust: Libido, Kinks, and Sex Toys . The sassiness of the author toward other authors was very entertaining. I really like how Violet Fenn broke some of the misconceptions people have about the Victorian age, especially those concerning women and their intimacy.
I would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, human condition and sex.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
My favourite chapter is Lifting the Lid on Lust: Libido, Kinks, and Sex Toys . The sassiness of the author toward other authors was very entertaining. I really like how Violet Fenn broke some of the misconceptions people have about the Victorian age, especially those concerning women and their intimacy.
I would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, human condition and sex.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 9, 2024This is messy and there are tons of holes in the claims she makes, tons of unanswered questions/unexplored nuances in favor of speculating about historical figures' sexualities or just looking at case studies. Par exemple, in one chapter she argues that "tasteful" art was often just veiled pornography, using the tableau vivant as an example. In the final chapter, she argues that postcards featuring "tasteful" nudes of children were literally just that: tasteful nudes portraying "innocence."
September 1, 2020
You can read my full review at: https://mediadrome.wordpress.com/2020...
If you want short and sweet, with just a bit of surface information, check this book out. Fenn writes well, and she’s fairly humorous, so if that’s your thing maybe you’ll enjoy it more than I did!
If you want short and sweet, with just a bit of surface information, check this book out. Fenn writes well, and she’s fairly humorous, so if that’s your thing maybe you’ll enjoy it more than I did!
March 31, 2020
This book was very enjoyable and eye-opening to read. My wife and I have recently become very interested in the Victorians and this book shines a perfect light on them. To discover that the staid and uptight Victorians were not really that different from us was fun to discover. Ms. Fenn paints a clear picture and opens up the world of the Victorians better than other books I have read on the period.
March 27, 2020
Far too many people associate the Victorian period with a largely sexless dour period, and it's great to have a reminder that history is often much more scandalous than we think. Even with all the laws prohibiting homosexuality, same sex couples lived and thrived, as well as causing scandal and being persecuted. Sex life wasn't just about procreation, and women, even against society's dictates, did find ways to explore their sexuality. This is a well-researched look behind the stiff-upper-lipped, prim-and-proper facade of Victorian life that I would give to any history buff.
March 27, 2020
I really liked learning more about how things were different back in the Victorian era.
I requested an ARC from NetGalley and got exactly what I expected from this read.
It seems the ARC wasn't properly edited for book excerpt, but I'm assuming this is going to be fixed for the released version of the book.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about different times.
I requested an ARC from NetGalley and got exactly what I expected from this read.
It seems the ARC wasn't properly edited for book excerpt, but I'm assuming this is going to be fixed for the released version of the book.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about different times.
March 28, 2020
Interesting and informative with engaging writing , if you want to learn about the history of some of your own sexual hangup read this book!!
March 14, 2020
This was a very good, well-researched, and highly readable look into the truth behind sex and sexuality in Victorian England. Violet Fenn looks behind the starched facades to the reality beneath- which is that anything you've thought of doing, it's been done before. She explores the dark realities of prostitution and sexually transmitted diseases and the tragic consequences of criminalizing homosexuality, but also introduces lighter elements and knocks down traditional stories like Victorians covering piano legs to prevent anyone from getting too excited. One of the things I loved best about "Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain" was how often I found myself saying: "so that's where that comes from!". From word origins to myths to facts of daily life, it was fun to discover their basis in Victorian life.
Overall a delightful, witty, and fun read, "Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain" is perfect for history lovers who want to learn more about the real lives behind the era, and women's roles-as victor as well as victim- in particular.
Overall a delightful, witty, and fun read, "Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain" is perfect for history lovers who want to learn more about the real lives behind the era, and women's roles-as victor as well as victim- in particular.
March 15, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! I devoured it so interesting, and well written, it was!
Informative books can be, sometimes, clinical in their explanations, in my opinion, which makes me loose interest halfway in. But this one was approachable, easy and enjoyable to read. There was clearly a lot of research done for this, and it shows. I had some knowledge of the Victorian Era, but learned so much more!
There were no photographs, which I thought a bit of a shame. It’s just my own preference in having some visual material besides text in historical non-fiction books, though. And, this sure doesn’t change the fact that I thought this book highly enjoyable.
I’d strongly recommend this book to any lover of this period in history.
Informative books can be, sometimes, clinical in their explanations, in my opinion, which makes me loose interest halfway in. But this one was approachable, easy and enjoyable to read. There was clearly a lot of research done for this, and it shows. I had some knowledge of the Victorian Era, but learned so much more!
There were no photographs, which I thought a bit of a shame. It’s just my own preference in having some visual material besides text in historical non-fiction books, though. And, this sure doesn’t change the fact that I thought this book highly enjoyable.
I’d strongly recommend this book to any lover of this period in history.
March 19, 2020
It was an interesting and informative read that kept me hooked till the last page.
I discovered a lot new information and how the approach of Victorian age people was different from what we thing.
The book is well researched and well written.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I discovered a lot new information and how the approach of Victorian age people was different from what we thing.
The book is well researched and well written.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
March 16, 2020
A short and entertaining book about sexuality in Victorian society. The author presents the joyful aspects of people's intimate relations as well as the darker sides like prostitution, STDs and criminalisation of homosexuality. The book gets rid of some old myths and gives various examples of people and court cases that invite to explore the subject further. As an introduction to the topic I highly recommend this
March 18, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I found this book really interesting, the Victorians for me are fascinating so this was always going to be a hit with me!
The author covers quite a bit in the pages available from the different sexually transmitted diseases that were rife at this time, particularly syphilis, through to prostitution, cross dressing and the tragic consequences of homosexuality with it of course being a criminal act at this time.
The book was concise and I liked the way it was split in to the different chapters. The book was clearly focussed and the author has done a lot of research and knows her topic. I thought that it was well written too and I did find it to be an easy read and it didn’t really take me very long to read as the book is only 144 pages so more of a novella length for me.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I thought it was full of interesting detail and it is definitely one I would recommend to people who have an interest in this period – highly recommended!
I found this book really interesting, the Victorians for me are fascinating so this was always going to be a hit with me!
The author covers quite a bit in the pages available from the different sexually transmitted diseases that were rife at this time, particularly syphilis, through to prostitution, cross dressing and the tragic consequences of homosexuality with it of course being a criminal act at this time.
The book was concise and I liked the way it was split in to the different chapters. The book was clearly focussed and the author has done a lot of research and knows her topic. I thought that it was well written too and I did find it to be an easy read and it didn’t really take me very long to read as the book is only 144 pages so more of a novella length for me.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I thought it was full of interesting detail and it is definitely one I would recommend to people who have an interest in this period – highly recommended!
April 2, 2020
Este libro resultó ser todo lo que esperaba que fuera y más. Instructivo, entretenido y encantador a partes iguales, brindará muchas horas de placer a sus lectores, que desearán más después de leer su final, en el que conoceremos algunos de los descubrimientos más revolucionarios de la Gran Bretaña del siglo XIX. Es un placer para el cerebro.
This book proved to be everything I expected it to be and more. Enlightening, entertaining and charming in equal parts, it will give many hours of pleasure to its readers, which will want more after reading its end, in which we get to know some of the most groundbreaking discoveries made during nineteenth-century Britain. It’s a delight for the brain.
This book proved to be everything I expected it to be and more. Enlightening, entertaining and charming in equal parts, it will give many hours of pleasure to its readers, which will want more after reading its end, in which we get to know some of the most groundbreaking discoveries made during nineteenth-century Britain. It’s a delight for the brain.
April 1, 2020
After finishing The Five I was keen to jump into Sex and Sexuality in Victorian England. While it wasn’t what I thought it would be, I did find it fascinating and written in such an engaging manner. Violet Fenn discusses topics ranging from homosexuality to sex toys to contraception and everything in between. I found the story of Edith Lanchester the most interesting. Edith decided she would never wed her lover but still live with him. Her father found out and had her committed to an asylum. I won’t spoil the end of her story, but you must read this well written book on the society thought to be the most prude.
November 29, 2020
Check out this review and more on my blog!
I received an eARC of Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Despite my love of history, and the fact that the Victorian era is the bread and butter of most primary school history lessons in the UK and the backdrop of many historical romance novels, the 19th century isn’t a century I know an awful lot about. I probably know a lot more about Victorian literature than I do about Victorian politics and society.
Something I’ve become more and more interested in over the years, however, is the history of sex workers, so when I spotted this book on NetGalley I couldn’t resist requesting it. At under 200 pages this is very much a ‘does what it says on the tin’ book that gives its readers a general introduction to the various branches of sex and sexuality during the Victorian era, and while there are certain topics I’d’ve liked Fenn to have explored more I think this is the ideal place to start for readers like me who aren’t experts in this particular era of history.
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. When this book touches upon sex workers and mentions the Whitechapel murders, for example, she mentions Hallie Rubenhold’s The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper, one of my favourite pieces of non-fiction, and I really appreciated knowing I was reading a book by an author who is very aware of the work of her contemporaries.
The only reason I didn’t rate this book any higher was that it seemed to end very abruptly, but I’m not sure how much of that is down to the fact that I was reading an eARC; I wonder if the final chapter is more fleshed out in the final published version. That aside, Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain is an accessible introduction to its subject matter and I’d happily read more by Violet Fenn in future.
I received an eARC of Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Despite my love of history, and the fact that the Victorian era is the bread and butter of most primary school history lessons in the UK and the backdrop of many historical romance novels, the 19th century isn’t a century I know an awful lot about. I probably know a lot more about Victorian literature than I do about Victorian politics and society.
Something I’ve become more and more interested in over the years, however, is the history of sex workers, so when I spotted this book on NetGalley I couldn’t resist requesting it. At under 200 pages this is very much a ‘does what it says on the tin’ book that gives its readers a general introduction to the various branches of sex and sexuality during the Victorian era, and while there are certain topics I’d’ve liked Fenn to have explored more I think this is the ideal place to start for readers like me who aren’t experts in this particular era of history.
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. When this book touches upon sex workers and mentions the Whitechapel murders, for example, she mentions Hallie Rubenhold’s The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper, one of my favourite pieces of non-fiction, and I really appreciated knowing I was reading a book by an author who is very aware of the work of her contemporaries.
The only reason I didn’t rate this book any higher was that it seemed to end very abruptly, but I’m not sure how much of that is down to the fact that I was reading an eARC; I wonder if the final chapter is more fleshed out in the final published version. That aside, Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain is an accessible introduction to its subject matter and I’d happily read more by Violet Fenn in future.
April 21, 2023
Short, but decidedly not sweet, Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain is a cursory and interesting look at - well, what it says on the tin. Sex in the times of Queen Victoria. The Victorians have always been seen as buttoned-up and fleshless. Only in grief did they seem to come undone. So is that true? I was hoping Fenn would unravel that myth - if it is a myth - and give me an up-close-and-personal peek into the bedrooms of the era.
Generally, this book provides an oversight into the various topics we all associate with sex - pornography, sex toys, the medical world, lesbianism / homosexuality, and unfortunately - what I would term as pedophilia but unfortunately in Victorian times, their idea of an age of consent was 12, so. Ughghgh.
Further to the above, Fenn never really takes an interrogative view of the dangerous customs of the time (having sex with children, punishing women for being too interested in sex / deeming them "hysterical" and assaulting them by way of treating them, etc.) and instead takes what I would deem a humorous approach in talking about these issues. These issues that aren't humourous in the slightest. If anyone actually thinks committing a woman to an asylum for daring to have a sex drive is funny, well. On the one hand, I wanted the book to delve deeper into topics, but on the other, I wondered if it would do much good.
In the end, the book does show that Victorians were about as fucked up as we are in "modern times", but they just hid it better than we do. An interesting read and it's made me want to look more into the time - there's something about all that secretiveness that makes people want to unhook the curtains for a better look.
Generally, this book provides an oversight into the various topics we all associate with sex - pornography, sex toys, the medical world, lesbianism / homosexuality, and unfortunately - what I would term as pedophilia but unfortunately in Victorian times, their idea of an age of consent was 12, so. Ughghgh.
Further to the above, Fenn never really takes an interrogative view of the dangerous customs of the time (having sex with children, punishing women for being too interested in sex / deeming them "hysterical" and assaulting them by way of treating them, etc.) and instead takes what I would deem a humorous approach in talking about these issues. These issues that aren't humourous in the slightest. If anyone actually thinks committing a woman to an asylum for daring to have a sex drive is funny, well. On the one hand, I wanted the book to delve deeper into topics, but on the other, I wondered if it would do much good.
In the end, the book does show that Victorians were about as fucked up as we are in "modern times", but they just hid it better than we do. An interesting read and it's made me want to look more into the time - there's something about all that secretiveness that makes people want to unhook the curtains for a better look.
February 10, 2021
As a dedicated follower of Violet’s writing in newspapers and on the internet, I was super excited when I heard she was writing a book. One that was going to be published and everything! I wasn’t thrilled to discover it was to be about the Victorian times, because to be honest, I’m not big into history (sorry Vi!). However, I’m as interested in sex and sexuality as the next person, so when I was offered a copy to read and review, I leapt at the chance.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. What an interesting book! Not at all lofty or superior in tone, but clearly written by someone with a thirst for knowledge and passionate about their subject. So much detail presented in a completely non-patronising way. More books like this could definitely pique my interest in history.
The chapters are all cleverly titled, (Beddings, Weddings and Bastards my personal favourite with an honorary mention for Lifting the Lid on Lust, because I have always absolutely adored alliteration) and enticing – there are even pictures! Nice to see some local places I recognised in there.
I learned a lot – Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain is informative as well as entertaining. I don’t know what the history department of my school was playing at, because no one ever told me that Queen Victoria changed her name! And English department, you can sit down as well – who knew that ‘shut’ meaning alleyway is thought to be a contraction of ‘short cut’? Come for the sex, stay for the grammar lesson!
In summary, I really enjoyed this book – it was somewhat outside of my comfort zone, but pitched at exacty the right level to make me want to learn more. Bring on the vampires!
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. What an interesting book! Not at all lofty or superior in tone, but clearly written by someone with a thirst for knowledge and passionate about their subject. So much detail presented in a completely non-patronising way. More books like this could definitely pique my interest in history.
The chapters are all cleverly titled, (Beddings, Weddings and Bastards my personal favourite with an honorary mention for Lifting the Lid on Lust, because I have always absolutely adored alliteration) and enticing – there are even pictures! Nice to see some local places I recognised in there.
I learned a lot – Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain is informative as well as entertaining. I don’t know what the history department of my school was playing at, because no one ever told me that Queen Victoria changed her name! And English department, you can sit down as well – who knew that ‘shut’ meaning alleyway is thought to be a contraction of ‘short cut’? Come for the sex, stay for the grammar lesson!
In summary, I really enjoyed this book – it was somewhat outside of my comfort zone, but pitched at exacty the right level to make me want to learn more. Bring on the vampires!
April 20, 2020
I was delighted to see this book, as I hate the stereotype that Victorians were all buttoned-up prudes. Thank you, Violet Fenn, for helping to disperse that myth!
Fenn says in the introduction that someone could write entire books based off the materials in some of the chapters, and she isn't lying. The sections very much feel like introductory overviews. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware of. This isn't a deep delve.
While there may not be much depth, there certainly is breadth. Fenn covers courtship, fashion, gay relationships and pornography among other topics. Even though she doesn't go very in-depth on many of the topics, the book doesn't feel light on research. It's clear that Fenn has done some serious researcj, but she wears the weight of her research lightly, and it means that the book skips along nicely while still being informative.
The only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars is the length. It is a very short book, and I was left wanting more. Hopefully this book will be revised and additional material added.
A quick aside: This book disproved the 'Victoria didn't believe in lesbians' theory I've heard (and repeated!) so many times. Thanks for stopping me from spreading that misinformation about!
Many thanks to Pen & Sword History for an advanced review copy of the book via Netgalley.
Fenn says in the introduction that someone could write entire books based off the materials in some of the chapters, and she isn't lying. The sections very much feel like introductory overviews. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware of. This isn't a deep delve.
While there may not be much depth, there certainly is breadth. Fenn covers courtship, fashion, gay relationships and pornography among other topics. Even though she doesn't go very in-depth on many of the topics, the book doesn't feel light on research. It's clear that Fenn has done some serious researcj, but she wears the weight of her research lightly, and it means that the book skips along nicely while still being informative.
The only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars is the length. It is a very short book, and I was left wanting more. Hopefully this book will be revised and additional material added.
A quick aside: This book disproved the 'Victoria didn't believe in lesbians' theory I've heard (and repeated!) so many times. Thanks for stopping me from spreading that misinformation about!
Many thanks to Pen & Sword History for an advanced review copy of the book via Netgalley.
May 7, 2020
~ARC received in exchange for an honest review~
Hmm... an interesting overview of sex and sexuality in Victorian Britain, however the overall tone of the writing felt inappropriate at times.
One example: discussing kinks, sex toys and pornography in an informal tone and then jumping straight to the perils of giving birth including some graphic descriptions of infant death was obviously jarring. The idea of consent was also skimmed over and this itself was explained away as being something that just wasn't considered at the time. Such a subject deserves to be given its due attention for the modern reader since we are the intended audience. Many attitudes of the Victorian era actually still prevail and MANY people are still affected. It's just not good enough for something published in 2020 discussing sex should take such a dismissive attitude towards discussing something as crucial to sexual enjoyment as consent - it NEEDS to be viewed with a modern eye and you shouldn't be tackling sex as a subject if you aren't willing or able to go there.
On a positive note, I've got myself a list of further reading about the few topics I would like to further explore but overall this title missed the mark for me and I DNF'd after the third mention of infanticide - about 60%.
~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~
Hmm... an interesting overview of sex and sexuality in Victorian Britain, however the overall tone of the writing felt inappropriate at times.
One example: discussing kinks, sex toys and pornography in an informal tone and then jumping straight to the perils of giving birth including some graphic descriptions of infant death was obviously jarring. The idea of consent was also skimmed over and this itself was explained away as being something that just wasn't considered at the time. Such a subject deserves to be given its due attention for the modern reader since we are the intended audience. Many attitudes of the Victorian era actually still prevail and MANY people are still affected. It's just not good enough for something published in 2020 discussing sex should take such a dismissive attitude towards discussing something as crucial to sexual enjoyment as consent - it NEEDS to be viewed with a modern eye and you shouldn't be tackling sex as a subject if you aren't willing or able to go there.
On a positive note, I've got myself a list of further reading about the few topics I would like to further explore but overall this title missed the mark for me and I DNF'd after the third mention of infanticide - about 60%.
~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~
April 13, 2020
One of my favourite period in history has to be the Victorian era. I will actively read books set during this time – fiction and non-fiction – just because the world was so fascinating. The changes that were occurring not just industrially but also socially – it always makes for an interesting read.
It was due to this that I was intrigued to read Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain. What made it even more interesting for me is that it isn’t focused on London which to be fair is usually the location for a lot of books on Victoriana. This book had links to my hometown of Liverpool. Hurrah.
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain was fantastic. It was an academic book without the need of academia to be able to read, understand, and enjoy it. It was eye-opening and titillating all at once. Fenn has researched hr topic well and added the element of heart – something that sometimes lacks in other texts of this ilk. I hoovered this book, relishing every page and any fan of history should find enjoyment between these pages.
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain by Violet Fenn is available now.
It was due to this that I was intrigued to read Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain. What made it even more interesting for me is that it isn’t focused on London which to be fair is usually the location for a lot of books on Victoriana. This book had links to my hometown of Liverpool. Hurrah.
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain was fantastic. It was an academic book without the need of academia to be able to read, understand, and enjoy it. It was eye-opening and titillating all at once. Fenn has researched hr topic well and added the element of heart – something that sometimes lacks in other texts of this ilk. I hoovered this book, relishing every page and any fan of history should find enjoyment between these pages.
Sex and Sexuality in Victorian Britain by Violet Fenn is available now.
August 19, 2020
While there's not much here that anyone with more than a passing knowledge of the subject won't already know, Violet Fenn's romp through nineteenth century sexuality is nonetheless a sparkling, engaging exploration of all things lacy, racy and Victorian. Chatty and accessible, it's a dip in-able compendium which lays to rest some myths and offers up a few surprises. It's not an academic tome, and neither is it meant to be, but it certainly whets the appetite for more research on what is a fascinating topic.
Fenn clearly knows her subject inside out and has a great passion for it - her enthusiasm fair leaps off the page, as does her empathy for those who found themselves - usually through no fault of their own - on the 'wrong' side of Victorian society.
A little short, perhaps - one is just getting into it and it's over. Hm.
Oh, and extra points for the beautiful cover and the mention of Nick Cave.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fenn clearly knows her subject inside out and has a great passion for it - her enthusiasm fair leaps off the page, as does her empathy for those who found themselves - usually through no fault of their own - on the 'wrong' side of Victorian society.
A little short, perhaps - one is just getting into it and it's over. Hm.
Oh, and extra points for the beautiful cover and the mention of Nick Cave.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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