Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Whys and Hows of Sex History Part 1: Preface: Sexuality Before Modern Times 2. Sexuality and the Rise of Agriculture 3. Sexuality in the Classical Period 4. The Impact of Religion on Sexuality, to 1450 5. Sex in an Age of Trade and Colonies Part 2: Preface: Sex in the Modern World, 1750–1950 6. Western Society, 1750–1950: A First Sexual Revolution and the Victorian Response 7. Global Trends and Variations in the Age of Imperialism Part 3: Preface: Sexuality in the Age of Globalization 8. Sex in Contemporary World History

About the Author

Peter N. Stearns is Provost and Professor of History at George Mason University. He is co- author of Premodern Travel in World History (2008), and author of Gender in World History (2nd edition 2006), Consumerism in World History (2nd edition 2006), Childhood in World History (2005), and Western Civilization in World History (2003), all in this series. His other recent publications include The Global Experience (2005) and World History in Brief (2007).

Reviews

'It is... impressive that Stearns provides a concise, readable overview of the topic from the beginning of settled agriculture to the 21st century and covers most areas of the world without sacrificing nuance or oversimplifying his subject. This book synthesizes a large body of secondary literature using a fresh, interesting approach...He is careful to emphasize that no single statement about sexuality can truly encompass the full range of human experience, but he offers a thoughtful analysis of the major trends over time. An excellent introduction to a large and growing body of scholarship.' Choice (Outstanding title)