Menstruation: A Cultural History

by Andrew Shail (Editor), Gillian Howie (Editor)

Ranging from Aristotle to twentieth-century gynaecology, contributions to this volume trace the semiotics of menstruation from magical act to evolutionary deficiency. The result is the first comprehensive historical study of how menstruation has been understood within various cultural traditions, with reference to political and social institutions, and medical and religious practices. Includes a guide for scholars on bibliographical and archival sources for the study of menstruation.

Genres: Gender, History, Nonfiction

311 pages, Hardcover

First published December 10, 2005

Reviews

[Mystic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of information about the views people had on menstruation in various cultures and political and social situations, It also included the way in which has been understood in medicine and various religions. I am glad the book explained not just what the thoughts and views were, but also how these ideas formed. It was interesting to learn that these ideas have been shaped by women's and men's view of women.

[Maren Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The articles in this collection were fascinating to me. The following ideas stood out. The idea that women are weaker than men because they can't control/hold in menstrual flow. The idea that women don't provide any life-giving substances to the process of procreation but just a home to male sperm which is the life-giving substance. The idea that the look of a menstruating woman can cause leprosy or disfigurement. The idea that girls should never talk about menstruation and sex but that they should still grow up to be dutiful, loving wives and mothers. The idea that women should buy a product (pads and tampons) to "protect" themselves from a normal bodily process. All of these ideas have shaped and been shaped by women's view of themselves, men's view of women, and thereby our entire culture. So interesting.

[BAFFA ABDULMALIK]

Am especting to finished on that particular day that i mentioned above.