The Shapes of Fancy: Reading for Queer Desire in Early Modern Literature

By Christine Varnado Early Modern, LGBTQ, NOTCHES on the Bookshelf

The Shapes of Fancy stages an impassioned defense of the inherently desirous nature of reading.

Loving Animals: On Bestiality, Zoophilia, and Post-Human Love

By Joanna Bourke Animal Sexuality, NOTCHES on the Bookshelf

How have commentators talked about sex with animals and what meanings have been attached to ‘bestiality’ or ‘zoophilia’?

Trans America: A Counter-History

By Barry Reay 20th and 21st Century United States, LGBTQ, NOTCHES on the Bookshelf, Trans

Despite the prominence of what is now called trans in contemporary culture, there is a shortage of comprehensive trans histories.

The Corrupter of Boys: Sodomy, Scandal and the Medieval Clergy

By Dyan Elliott Childhood and Youth, Medieval, NOTCHES on the Bookshelf, Religion and Sexuality, Sexual Violence

Scandal-averse policies have enabled the widespread sexual abuse of boys and male adolescents within the Church.

The Rape of Rufus? Sexual Violence against Enslaved Men

By Thomas Foster Early America, NOTCHES on the Bookshelf, Race and Ethnicity, Sexual Violence

Rethinking Rufus argues that enslaved black men were sexually violated by both white men and white women.

The Reputation of Edward II

By Kit Heyam LGBTQ, Medieval, NOTCHES on the Bookshelf

Edward’s medieval and early modern afterlife was significantly shaped by the influence of literary texts and techniques.

Protective Practices: A History of the London Rubber Company and the Condom Business

By Jessicca Borge NOTCHES on the Bookshelf, United Kingdom

The story of the historic London Rubber Company and Durex condom business, with a foreword by Lesley A. Hall.