IMMACULATE FORMS

With unrivaled expertise and a wealth of classical and contemporary detail the author weaves historical knowledge of medicine anatomy literature art and religion into a narrative that surprises informs excites and frequently amuses Adrian Thatcher author of Vile BodiesThroughout history religious scholars medical men and occasionally women themselves have moulded thought on what makes a woman She has been called the weaker sex the fairer sex the purer sex among many other monikers Often she has been defined simply as Not A Man Today we are more aware than ever of the complex relationship between our bodies and our identities But contrary to what some may believe what makes a woman is a question that has always been open ended Immaculate Forms examines all the ways in which medicine and religion have played a gatekeeping role over women s organs It explores how the womb was seen as both the most miraculous organ in the body and as a sewer uncovers breasts legacies as maternal or sexual organs or both probes the mystery of the disappearing hymen and asks did the clitoris need to be discovered at all