Description

'Delightful, timely and critical' Cat Bohannon 'Expertly weaves science, history and culture to illuminate the most misunderstood parts of our bodies' Dr Jennifer Gunter

Throughout history, religious scholars, medical men and - occasionally - women themselves, have moulded thought on what 'makes' a woman. She has been called the weaker sex, the fairer sex, the purer sex, among many other monikers. Often, she has been defined simply as 'Not A Man'.

Today, we are more aware than ever of the complex relationship between our bodies and our identities. But contrary to what some may believe, what makes a woman is a question that has always been open-ended. Immaculate Forms examines all the ways in which medicine and religion have played a gatekeeping role over women's organs.

It explores how the womb was seen as both the most miraculous organ in the body and as a sewer; uncovers breasts' legacies as maternal or sexual organs - or both; probes the mystery of the disappearing hymen, and asks, did the clitoris need to be discovered at all?

                                                                     

Paperback

Publication: 5 Jun 2025, Profile
ISBN: 9781788163880

Extent: 448 pages

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Immaculate Forms : Uncovering the History of Women's Bodies by Helen King (PRE-ORDER)

    'Delightful, timely and critical' Cat Bohannon 'Expertly weaves science, history and culture to illuminate the most misunderstood parts of our... Read more

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        Description

        'Delightful, timely and critical' Cat Bohannon 'Expertly weaves science, history and culture to illuminate the most misunderstood parts of our bodies' Dr Jennifer Gunter

        Throughout history, religious scholars, medical men and - occasionally - women themselves, have moulded thought on what 'makes' a woman. She has been called the weaker sex, the fairer sex, the purer sex, among many other monikers. Often, she has been defined simply as 'Not A Man'.

        Today, we are more aware than ever of the complex relationship between our bodies and our identities. But contrary to what some may believe, what makes a woman is a question that has always been open-ended. Immaculate Forms examines all the ways in which medicine and religion have played a gatekeeping role over women's organs.

        It explores how the womb was seen as both the most miraculous organ in the body and as a sewer; uncovers breasts' legacies as maternal or sexual organs - or both; probes the mystery of the disappearing hymen, and asks, did the clitoris need to be discovered at all?

                                                                             

        Paperback

        Publication: 5 Jun 2025, Profile
        ISBN: 9781788163880

        Extent: 448 pages

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