Sexual Restraint and Aesthetic Experience in Victorian Literary Decadence

Discover the intriguing intersection of sexuality and aesthetics in Sarah Green's Sexual Restraint and Aesthetic Experience in Victorian Literary Decadence, published by Cambridge University Press in 2023. This compelling hardback edition spans 274 pages and delves into the Victorian belief that sexual restraint could be beneficial. Green examines the late nineteenth-century Decadent movement, revealing a surprisingly positive perspective on restraint. By analyzing Decadent literature alongside medical manuals, periodicals, and advertisements, she uncovers how restraint was portrayed as a healthy and productive force, enriching the aesthetic experience of the time. This insightful exploration invites readers to reconsider the complexities of desire and artistic expression during a pivotal era in literary history. Perfect for scholars and enthusiasts alike, this book offers a fresh lens on Victorian culture and its lasting impact on literature.