Alcohol, Sex and Gender in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-x

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2. Introduction

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 1-16

3. Women and Alcohol

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 17-37

4. Sex and Alcohol

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 38-57

5. Alehouses, Taverns, and Prostitutes

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 58-78

6. Sexual Encounters

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 79-95

7. Unruly Women and Violent Men

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 96-118

8. Husbands and Wives

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 119-133

9. Conclusion

   • A. Lynn Martin

   Pages 134-140

10. Back Matter

    Pages 141-200

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This book examines drinking and attitudes to alcohol consumption in late medieval and early modern England, France, and Italy, especially as they related to sexual and violent behavior and to gender relations. According to widespread beliefs, the consumption of alcohol led to increased sexual activity among both men and women, and it also led to disorderly conduct among women and violent conduct among men. Dr Lynn shows how alcohol was a fundamental part of the diets of most people, including women, resulting in daily drinking of large amounts of ale, beer, or wine. This study offers an intimate insight into both the altered states induced by alcohol, and, by opposition, into normal relations in family, community, and society.

• alcohol
• community
• England
• Europe
• France
• gender
• Sex

• University of Adelaide, Australia

  A. Lynn Martin

A. LYNN MARTIN is Reader in History at the University of Adelaide, South Australia, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. He is the author of three books and his articles have appeared in several journals.

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