Myth and Sexuality

by Jamake Highwater

Book Overview

In this fascinating study of the ways in which our ideas about sex and gender are shaped, Jamake Highwater shows that far from being the most natural force of our lives, sexuality is the one most... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452010691
• ISBN13: 9780452010697
• Release Date: February 1991
• Publisher: Plume Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

"Everything I needed to know about sexuality, I learned from myths"

Highwater's "Myths & Sexuality" is as intriguing a read as the title suggests. Normally when people hear the word "myth" they think of Greek myths, but Highwater is all inclusive here. He bases his chapters on tales and accounts from not only Greek myths, but also stories from Celtic myth, medieval legends, the Garden of Eden, Slavic mythology, and more. You don't need to be a mythology expert to enjoy this book. Highwater simply explores some of the themes from such myths in terms of sexuality. The book covers a wide range of attitudes and thoughts of sexuality, from pre-Christian times up through the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Sex is so suppressed in social conversation that we really don't take the time to stop and think about it with the curious nature we have---if you try to have a conversation about sex or sexuality, some may think of it as "dirty" or "perverted" or scoff at you, but Highwater shows that sexuality is an utterly fascinating combination of human nature, cultural changes, and social influence. This is an utterly fascinating read, and it has certainly opened up my mind to ways of thinking about sexuality in terms which I had never even thought of before. Pick it up, and you won't be able to put it down.

disturbing

the description of sexuality and how it evolved through the ages is very intriguing, though i found the chapter 'body as weapon' a bit disturbing; however, i applaud highwater on his completeness. i was very pleased with the objectiveness that he was able to talk about myths and not just confine them to the traditional greek and roman myths that we usually associate that word with. you truly have to have an open mind to read this book. it will really make you question your own sexuality and why you believe what you believe.

Solid/Factual

Highwater's view of sexuality through the ages struck me right at home. Here is a factually based and compellingly written history of where those burning urges come from, and perhaps a chance to piece together where they may go from here.

Excellent

A great book! Added coherence to my previous convictions that human sexuality is not as simple as many of us would like to think . . .