Straight

The Surprisingly Short History of Heterosexuality

By: Hanne Blank

Narrated by: Fran Tunno

It's surprising that the term "heterosexuality" is less than 150 years old and that heterosexuality's history has never before been written, given how obsessed we are with it. In Straight, independent scholar Hanne Blank delves deep into the contemporary psyche as well as the historical record to chronicle the realm of heterosexual relations - a subject that is anything but straight and narrow. Consider how Catholic monasticism, the reading of novels, the abolition of slavery, leisure time, divorce, and constipation of the bowels have all at some time been labeled enemies of the heterosexual state.

With an extensive historical scope and plenty of juicy details and examples, Straight provides a fascinating look at the vagaries, schisms, and contradictions of what has so often been perceived as an irreducible fact of nature.

©2011 Hanne Blank (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Very thorough study on the history of 'hetero'

SO much interesting information yet leaves you with more questions than answers- I was a little disappointed that it seemed to focus a bit more on the history of male queerness than female, but the general point is well made that our idea of what it means to be heterosexual has always been in a constant state of flux

The Title Says It All

The term "heterosexual" was invented as late as the 1860's. Our society's assumptions and criteria for what it means to be heterosexual has gotten narrower ever since.

Like Joan Roughgarden’s "Evolution’s Rainbow", "Straight" addresses gender, sex and biology, but goes on to explore historical and political attitudes, and perceptions of straightness and homosexuality.

Once again, Blank challenges our assumptions and explores the historical evolution of our sexual hang-ups in an engaging and funny manner.

Fascinating

I had been meaning to read this book since it came out and it did not disappoint. So fascinating I only wanted there to be more.

Wonderful!

Any additional comments?

Not what quite what I had expected, but fascinating, informative, and delightfully in-depth all the same.
Highly recommended, especially to those interested in the subjects of gender, sexuality, or mate selection.

Thought Provoking and Informative

Wasn't sure what to expect but it was very good. Looking back, the intro alone would have made it worth the purchase price for me.

Interesting but hard to follow

The information was good but I had trouble following the author's thought processes she jumps from subject to subject seemingly at random.

Enlightening!

This book definitely gives one a lot to think about regarding sex, gender, and culture. I had not previously considered when the concept of heterosexuality originated but it turns out that question leads down one hell of a rabbit hole.