Book review: the absence of sexuality: Distinctive sexual identities as a modern concept

Sex before Sexuality argues contemporary terminology like ‘gay’ or even ‘heterosexual’ were completely alien to Medieval and premodern societies. Chris Parkes thinks the book helpfully carves a path for future scholars whilst demonstrating the urgent need for a fresh look at premodern sexualities. Sex Before Sexuality: A Premodern History. Kim M Phillips and Barry Reay. Polity Press. August 2011.