[ebook] The History of Sexuality (Three Volumes) - Michel Foucault

The "History of Sexuality" is a significant three-volume work by Michel Foucault, particularly noted for its introduction in Volume 1, which explores the relationships between power, discourse, and sexuality, and has influenced fields like Queer Theory, Feminist Theory, and Gender Studies. Foucault argues that the concept of "sexual liberation" is a misconception, asserting that society was not as repressed as commonly believed. He highlights the Victorian era not as a time of sexual repression but as one characterized by an increase in discussions surrounding sex, which became essential for classifying sexual differences and relating them to individual subjectivity. This period marks a transition from judicial power to disciplinary power, ultimately leading to biopower—the ability to influence and generate life rather than merely punish individuals. Although Foucault passed away before completing this comprehensive study, he permitted the posthumous publication of Volumes 2 and 3, which examine sexuality in Ancient Greece and the Christian Patrician era. The work, particularly Volume 1, is widely read and often misinterpreted, showcasing Foucault's revolutionary ideas about power as a relational force rather than a possession, and the intrinsic connection between resistance and power.

While the Amazon description may lack detail, the volumes are presented as high-quality scans, optimized for academic use. Importantly, the content does not delve into explicit sexual details but rather analyzes how sexual acts have been interpreted within contemporary contexts. Some explicit scenes are noted for those who may prefer not to engage with the philosophical aspects surrounding the medicalization and governmentalization of sexuality.