Intimate Middle Ages. Stories of Passion and Chastity, Chastity Belts and Love Potions

A look from within at the sexual practices of the Middle Ages.

Were medieval women slaves to their husband's desires, did they wear chastity belts in his absence? Was sex an obligation or a pleasure? Could a woman talk about her sexuality and her body? No. And yet yes.

Most of our notions about the Middle Ages are owed to scholars of the Victorian era. To emphasize the civilized society they managed to create, they eloquently described the horrors of the past. Even though historical facts told a different story. Thus, the opinion formed that the Middle Ages were a backward, uncultured, and uncivilized time. Women have suffered the most: it was believed that they could not read, did not use cosmetics, and did not wear underwear. Is this really the case?

From this captivating book you will learn:

- about the true sexual life of women from all walks of life, including women who made it into history;

- what could and could not be done in the bedroom;

- how to win a man over with food;

- what rules existed for the first wedding night;

- how to get pregnant (and how not to get pregnant)

and much more.

Who is this book for

For everyone interested in history in its unusual aspects.

For everyone who is fascinated by the Middle Ages.

For everyone interested in women's issues and the relationships between men and women at different times.