The Very Secret Sex Lives of Medieval Women: An Inside Look at Women & Sex in Medieval Times (Human Sexuality, True Stories, Women in History)

Great read for lovers of medieval times, interested in human sexuality, and just a fascinating read. Well researched.

As for the book "The Very Secret Sex Lives of Medieval Women," the reader will be assured that whatever WAS "secret," IS no longer! The author, Rosalie Gilbert is a "hoot!" She comes across as down to earth, knowledgeable, outspoken, a bit irreverent with a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing and shaking my head several times as I thought "Did I just read what I THINK I read?" So I'd read it again and realize I had indeed -- accompanied by more laughter or amusement. If one is not easily offended it is worth the read. After all, the title alone should give the potential purchaser more than a little clue that it's not going to be along the lines of a book on etiquette or a play by Shakespeare. Although I suppose "As You Like It" COULD be an alternate title, lol! This book had a number of good reviews and, being curious I ordered it and began reading. At my age, I figured I know the basics and then some but I was surprised that there were several tidbits of information that I wasn't aware of. For instance, medicinal treatments for physical ailments as well as conditions involving desire or lack thereof, STDS, pregnancy etc. After reading some of them you might begin to wonder how women in this time period survived as long as they did.

It’s a fun book to read. You will probably experience feelings of pity, humor, a little disgust, and maybe some satisfaction of curiosity. Author Rosalie Gilbert especially discusses the self-imposed role of the contemporary Christian Church in determining what was sinful and what was not. Quite a few priests tended to be a bunch of busy-bodies as well as being hypocrites. Priests of the era might engage in sexual relations with servant girls and prostitutes while simultaneously imposing penance on numerous harmless acts such as engaging in sex on saints’ holy days. Scientific or true medical knowledge of gynecology was almost totally lacking and resulted in many mythological beliefs, nonsense, and plain ignorance regarding coitus, contraception or the lack of it, pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care. Most of the book focuses on England and France with some digressions to Germany. Gilbert cites many 12th - 15th century law courts and decisions regarding issues such as marital infidelity, widowhood, annulments, and subjects today that are regarded as trivial and personal. The civil and religious courts tended to be stacked against the women; probably no surprise there. By the way — all the judges and clerics were men. Women could serve as trial witnesses, though. The book also officially defines the era of the “Medieval Age” as extending from 1066 (Battle of Hastings / King William I) to 1485 (Battle of Bosworth Field / King Henry VII). I had never thought of it that way. It’s as good as anything, I suppose.

This is a most interesting view of life (sex life), in the 10th through 15 centuries. It is not crude and the author injects much needed humor. It is told from the female view and so there is some bias towards men though I do believe that men probably had more power and freedom during those difficult times. If you like nonfiction history this will be a good read. Some parts are a bit sad or depressing when you learn what people had to deal with in a time when plague and famine were common place.

The author has a great sense of humor, and sees the ridiculous in much of the information she conveys. I laughed out loud many times. However, eventually the banter grows tiresome. Nonetheless, an interesting read. I thought it was worth getting through the eventually tedious humor.

First learned of the author through her wonderful website. Pre-ordered the book right after she announced it was going to press. Based on website writing, I felt the book would be interesting & knowledgeable and I am not disappointed. From fascinating facts to laughing-out-loud commentary, every page in this book has been a gem. My husband is planning on reading it, based on my reactions and I know he will enjoy it every bit as much. An excellent permanent addition to my library and I plan on ordering a few as gifts for others. I only wish the pandemic was over so that I could share so many of the bits of knowledge over appetizers or dinner! Thank you, Lady Rosalie, for bringing forth such incredible facets of herstory!

As a writer of medieval romance fiction, this book drew my attention the minute I saw it. I pre-ordered my copy and now keep it on my nightstand. Aside from the valuable research it contains, including documented historical anecdotes, it is also down-right hilarious. I'd like to thank the author for putting together a thought-provoking, trenchant examination of the complicated sex lives of generations of spirited, inventive, and often, considering the times in which they lived, cunning women. My novel will benefit from the wit and wisdom found within these pages.

The author uses the study of sexual practices to show very clearly the second class role of Medieval women. The book is an interesting study of the lack of rights women had at the time, as well as the number of abuses to which they were subjected. It is a bit repetitive.

I loved this book. Not only did I learn more than anyone ever needs to know about the sex lives of women in medieval times, I laughed a lot. Well done Rosalie.

I heard of this book while watching the Shadiversity YouTube video with Rosalie Gilbert at a medieval fair. Rosalie seemed both knowledgeable and funny so i decided to purchase the book while i was not particularly interested by the subject per se. As expected, the book is informative and hilarious. It is written in a style very different from academic works, which can be really boring. I see candles and curtains in a very different light, now that i have read this book. Thanks Rosalie for the laughs, and i hope to see future Shadiversity / Rosalie Gilbert videos on other subjects.

I really enjoyed this book. I saw Rosalie ( I feel I can call her by her first name as we have talked about such intimate things) on a YouTube interview. She was in full mediaeval garb discussing clothing and social lives. She was so entertaining and excited about her topics I could not wait to read her book. I was not disappointed. It reads like a chat with a friend. I suspect there is a great deal of academic research in here, Rose quotes from a myriad of primary sources. I studied History and it was great to hear the Montaillou voices again. She goes from housewives to nuns, from childbirth to sex toys. All done with candour and delightful little reproductions from psalters and illuminated books. She should be proud, this is one of those books which brings history to life. It’s so easy to read, a bit spicy, a bit gossipy, well edited and full of examples of ordinary lives. You won’t be disappointed.

I love reading about women in history and this book is brilliant. I couldn’t believe some of the stories. 10/10 would recommend

This is one of those books that you just can't put down. I love her funny take on actual historical events!