New Books in History Sam Fullerton, "Sexual Politics in Revolutionary England" (Manchester UP, 2026)
Jan 15, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Samuel Fullerton, an Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas, delves into his book exploring the provocative rise of sexual language in 17th-century England. He recounts the shift from censorship to the explosion of graphic sexual discourse during the civil wars. Fullerton introduces the concept of 'porno politics,' illustrating how sexual metaphors shaped political debates and mobilized citizens. He also discusses the role of sexual stereotypes in defining partisan identities, highlighting the intersection of sex and power in this transformative era.
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Denton's Second Summer And Halloween Capital
- Samuel Fullerton describes living in Denton, Texas and enjoying a cooler 'second summer' reprieve.
- He mentions Denton as the Halloween capital and enjoying fall activities after heat breaks.
From A Grad-School Prompt To A Major Discovery
- Samuel Fullerton discovered the topic after being handed raunchy 17th-century pamphlets by his advisor and never stopped researching them.
- He emphasizes these materials were underground but revealed a striking public shift in the 1640s.
Underground Sex Talk Goes Public
- Explicit sexual material existed before 1640 but was kept out of mainstream public print by regulation and norms of civility.
- Fullerton argues the 1640s produced a durable change when graphic sex-talk entered public polemical print.
