Thomas W. Laqueur
Thomas W. Laqueur is an American historian, sexologist, and writer. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and is known for his work on the history of sexuality and the body.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. The Work Of The Dead
A Cultural History of Mortal Remains
"The Work of the Dead" explores the profound cultural and historical significance of how societies treat their dead, arguing that the care for the deceased reflects deep values and social norms. The book traces the practices surrounding the dead from ancient times to the modern era, examining how the living remember, honor, and derive meaning from those who have passed. Through a detailed analysis of burial rituals, cemeteries, and mourning practices across different cultures and epochs, the author illustrates how the dead continue to play a crucial role in shaping the social, political, and moral landscapes of the living, ultimately asserting that our treatment of the dead reveals fundamental aspects of our humanity.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
2. A History Of Zionism
From the French Revolution to the Establishment of the State of Israel
The book provides a comprehensive exploration of the Zionist movement, tracing its origins, development, and impact on global politics and Jewish identity. It delves into the ideological, cultural, and political factors that fueled the movement, examining the diverse perspectives and debates within Zionism itself. The narrative covers key historical events, influential figures, and the complex interplay between Zionism and other political movements, offering insights into the challenges and achievements of Zionism from its inception to the establishment of the State of Israel and beyond.
-
3. Making Sex
Body and Gender from the Greeks to Freud
This scholarly work delves into the historical evolution of the understanding of sex and gender, tracing the shift from the ancient "one-sex" model, where male and female bodies were seen as variations of a single sex, to the modern "two-sex" model that distinctly separates male and female as fundamentally different. Through a meticulous examination of medical texts, cultural narratives, and philosophical discourses from antiquity to the Enlightenment, the book explores how these changing perceptions have influenced societal norms, scientific thought, and gender roles, ultimately shaping contemporary views on sexuality and identity.
Purchase from Bookshop.org