A fascinating read, though not necessarily one to read on the train on the way to work. (Judging by the funny looks I got when I did exactly that with 'The Prehistory of Sex' by Timothy Taylor, at least.)

Davenport-Hines claims the themes of 'sex, dirt, fear and punishment', focusing on homosexuality and sexual disease; this does make for frequent discomfort when reading, as you become aware just how much of your ingrained reactions to these themes are, well, completely irrational.

Overall, a very well-written and thoughtful book. You may not enjoy it, but it will certainly make you think. ( )

I miss my copy of this book - I loaned it to a FOAF about five years ago. From my notes, it was well worth reading, in terms of the relationship between the title articles in the general zeitgeist in the UK - commentary for example on the laws about homosexuality, and how they have changed, as well as about attitudes toward VD (and their gendered nature).