Post-Traditional Societies Book

130819: taken as popular history this is three. i have not read much to compare, but there seems little original research, much collection, much historical narrative. i must remember this is 'history' and as such limited in sources, to certain writers, populace, gender- as much this is not an area of great past research, not taken seriously as wars, revolutions etc, though there is reasonable argument that the 'pursuit' of orgasms has been major force in all human lives... and yes, from recorded beginnings, there were all kinds of linkages between orgasm and spiritual grace etc... and probably all kinds of ways to satisfy 'pursuit'...

so maybe the title is selling, but it is indeed true that there is history. from general sketches of ancient greeks, romans, indians, chinese etc through middle ages christianity. against official line, it is suggested we westerners have mistakenly read our history sexless rather than bawdy, that the orgasm is an original and abiding concern. one part that surprises me, though i have been familiar with the idea orgasms are more intense for women... this much? and essentially multiple? is this new 'performance anxiety' for men that they should now 'deliver' no less... and similar anxiety for women that they should 'achieve' no less? is this one reason masturbation is popular... the author drafts in michel foucault to argue it is part of the modern age to socially control then medicalize sex... as also against official line the repressive aspects of the 'victorian age' are overstated... there are some ways this refers to english cultural markers, but mostly it is international... then as he approaches more recent decades, there is much statistics and some hopeful predictions where 'pursuit' is going... and you will probably learn some new details in this popular way...?