Reading Sex in the Eighteenth Century

The book delves into the construction of sexual difference and gender identity in eighteenth-century England, focusing on erotic texts and illustrations within their historical context. Karen Harvey critiques contemporary views on sexual difference, highlighting a male-centered erotic culture that blended bawdy elements with refined politeness. She argues for a new perspective in gender history that emphasizes negotiation and contestation, contributing significantly to the understanding of masculinity and cultural change during this period.