Sexuality

Front Cover
Psychology Press, 1997 - Literary Criticism - 248 pages

Joseph Bristow introduces readers to the most influential contemporary theories of sexual desire and reveals how nineteenth century scientists invented 'sexuality'. This clear and fascinating introductory guide makes complex theoretical ideas accessible to readers of all levels. It explores:

  • the lasting influence of late-Victorian sexology
  • conflicting accounts of eroticism
  • the place of Freud and Lacan within cultural studies, literary criticism and feminist theory
  • the importance of Bataille, Baudrillard, Cixous, Deleuze, Irigaray and Kristeva
  • the legacy of Michel Foucault in queer theory today
  • postmodern sexual identities, and the contemporary emphasis on erotic diversity.
 

Contents

Sexological Types
22
Psychoanalytic Drives
63
Libidinal Economies
116

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About the author (1997)

Joseph Bristow is Professor in the Department of English in UCLA. His recent books include The Fin-de-Siècle Poem: English Literary Culture and the 1890s (2005) and Oscar Wilde and Modern Culture: the Making of a Legend (2009). He is the editor of the various edition of Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray (2005), as well as editor of the Journal of Victorian Culture.