A History of Celibacy by Elizabeth Abbott
Joan of Arc was one. So was Sir Isaac Newton. A monk vows to be one. A prisoner has no choice. History tells of many avowed celibates, and today's society reflects a renewed interest in celibacy. But what causes people to give up sex, the very activity that drives, fascinates, troubles, and delights so many of the rest of us? Elizabeth Abbott's exploration of celibacy debunks the traditionally held notion that celibacy is a predominantly religious concept of little concern to the secular world. Chosen or imposed for myriad reasons, celibacy actually is a practice that reveals a host of telling insights about our sexual desires and drives, as well as our changing attitudes toward religion, gender, and physical health. A History of Celibacy humanises celibacy through the ages, from the vestal virgins of ancient Rome who were entombed alive if they broke their vows, to contemporary athletes who conserve semen to enhance their game. While most people associate institutional celibacy with Catholicism, Abbott shows how virtually every culture and religion through history has incorporated it in some form. Her examples range from Judaism's rules regarding abstinence during menstruation to Hinduism's forced celibacy for widows. Written from a feminist perspective, the book paints a dual portrait of celibacy as both emancipator and enslaver of women and the poor. Yet the book's focus is not solely on women. It recounts for instance the forced castration of Italy's young male sopranos, and tells why impoverished Chinese boys and men became eunuchs for the Emperor. The extremes to which people will go to abstain from sexual activity or to prevent others from having sex is an intriguing thread through a serious book.
"..a breathless survey of sexual abstention, willing or unwilling, from the ancient world to the present day." Mary Beard, The Times Literary Supplement (November 16, 2001)
With a doctorate in 19th century history, Elizabeth Abbott is Dean of Women Students at Trinity College, University of Toronto, where she co-teaches a history course. She is also a journalist specialising in social history and the environment, her work having appeared in the Sunday Telegraph and the Daily Mail. She is Chair of the Rights and Freedoms committee of the Writers' Union of Canada, and writer for the Sensible Creatures committee of the Anglican Church. Her first book was praised by Graham Greene as "The best book in depth on the Haitian situation that I have ever read."
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780718830069 |
| ISBN 10 | 0718830067 |
| Title | A History of Celibacy |
| Author | Elizabeth Abbott |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | James Clarke & Co Ltd |
| Year published | 2001-02-27 |
| Number of pages | 448 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |