Intimate Matters

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This comprehensive study delves into the history of American sexuality, offering insights into sexual behavior from colonial times to the present. The authors, John D'Emilio and Estelle B. Freedman, explore how sexuality has significantly shaped politics and culture throughout history. Their work was notably referenced by Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy in a landmark ruling that invalidated a Texas sodomy law, marking a pivotal moment for gay rights. Kennedy acknowledged the influence of this study in understanding American attitudes toward sexual relationships from the nation's inception to today. Critics have praised the book for its fascinating analysis and meticulous research, highlighting the gradual yet profound shifts in Americans' perceptions of sex and its significance in their lives. The authors meticulously survey sexual patterns over four centuries, making this work a definitive exploration of American sexual history. The book is structured into sections covering the reproductive matrix from 1600 to 1800, divided passions from 1780 to 1900, the emergence of a new sexual order from 1880 to 1930, and the rise and fall of sexual liberalism from 1920 to the present. The extensive notes, selected bibliography, and index further enhance its scholarly value.