Description
Book SynopsisUtilizing the records of several Venetian courts that dealt with sex crimes, Ruggiero traces the evolution of both licit and illicit sexuality during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Through this examination of illicit sexuality, Ruggiero sheds light on the institutions, languages, social life, and values not only of this shadow-culture, but also of Venetian society and, ultimately, the Renaissance itself.
Trade Review`Colourful groundbreaking ... Ruggeriero's vivid survey of sexual behavior is an important contribution to Venetian historiography which no social, political, or cultural study will be able to ignore.' Renaissance Quarterly
`Extremely welcome for its systematic attempt to squeeze information about changing attitudes to sexuality from the judicial records.' London Review of Books
'fascinating and pioneering work ... particularly satisfying ... a triumph of historical reconstruction' Journal of Social History
'This is an important and fascinating study that provides a new perspective on Renaissance culture and society. Highly recommended.' Library Journal
