New Books in Critical Theory Sarah Bull, "Selling Sexual Knowledge: Medical Publishing and Obscenity in Victorian Britain" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
Jun 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bull, an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, unpacks the intricate dance between medicine and commerce in Victorian Britain. She highlights how sexual knowledge was shaped by publishers and reformers, defying myths of Victorian ignorance about sex. Bull examines the pivotal struggles over contraception and free speech, revealing a vibrant discourse on sexuality amidst societal change. Listeners will gain insights into the historical complexities of medical publishing and its impact on modern perceptions.
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Accidental Inspiration Story
- Sarah Bull found her book topic by accident while researching Victorian sexuality and medical publishing.
- She noticed a pornographer advertising a sexological study, igniting questions about medicine and obscenity.
Victorian Medical Publishing Ambiguity
- Victorian 'medical books' covered anatomy, contraception, venereal disease, and deviant practices.
- These books were seen as useful but risked misuse and arousal, blurring lines with obscenity.
Four Groups Define Boundaries
- Four Victorian groups clashed: recognized doctors, irregular practitioners, radicals, and pornographers.
- These groups shared some material, intensifying debates about obscenity and expertise legitimacy.
