Masculinity in the Modern West Gender, Civilization and the Body [Paperback]

What does it mean to be a man? To be manly? How has this changed throughout history? This text examines the manly stereotype, which stresses courage and athletic comportment, which from the 18th century onwards became representative of normative modern society.Introduction: Civilization and its Malcontents PART I: MAKING AND UNMAKING THE GENTLEMAN Four Faces of Civilization, c.1530-1750 Balancing Acts: The Paradox of the Gentleman PART II: MALE BODIES IN THE EIGHTEENTH AND NINETEENTH CENTURIES The Armor of Health and the Diseases of Civilization A Diet of Pleasures? The Incorporation of Manhood Building Bodies: Violence, Pain and the Nation PART III: THE TWENTIETH CENTURY AND BEYOND Modern Primitives: Manhood and Metamorphosis around 1900 Men of Steel: Technologies of the Male Body The Last Men? Consuming Manhood since 1945 Conclusion: The Return of the Repressed

'Forth's ambitious panoramic history of western masculinity is sweepingly broad, yet Forth has a keen eye for the revealing detail. With an analysis as sharp as his style is clear and erudite, Forth's reach never exceeds his grasp. This is a most impressive work!' - Michael Kimmel, Professor of Sociology and editor of Men and Masculinities

'Christopher Forth's survey of masculinity in the West is the first historical synthesis of the rich literature in this field. He puts familiar materials together in surprising new ways and presents readers with some highly original and provocative interpretations that will prove to be important contributions to gender studies and cultural history. The wit and deftness of Forth's style and his well-chosen examples make it a sheer delight to read.'

- Robert A. Nye, Horning Professor of the Humanities and Professor of History Emeritus, Oregon State University

'Christopher E. Forth's superb synthesis on masculinity in the modern West is a timely and original publication, with the broadest of appeal. It is, howeverlCÖ