Loving Animals: On Bestiality, Zoophilia and Post-Human Love

Sex with animals is a taboo subject, but it is depicted in many books, films, plays, paintings, and photographs. This book explores the modern history of sex between humans and animals, assessing the psychiatric and sexual aspects and delineating an ethics of animal loving.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2020
Publisher: Reaktion Books

Sex with animals is a topic that remains highly controversial, despite being widely condemned as abhorrent. However, it is surprising to note that this practice has been depicted in a wide range of books, films, plays, paintings, and photographs throughout history. In her book, renowned historian Joanna Bourke delves into the modern history of sex between humans and animals. Bourke examines the evolving definitions of terms such as "bestiality" and "zoophilia," evaluates the psychological and sexual aspects of these relationships, and ultimately offers an ethical framework for animal loving.

Bourke begins by tracing the historical roots of sex with animals, exploring the various cultural and societal attitudes towards these practices throughout different periods. She notes that while sex with animals has always been condemned in some societies, it has been celebrated and even revered in others. For example, in ancient Greece and Rome, certain animals were considered sacred and were believed to have the ability to grant sexual pleasure to humans.

In the Middle Ages, however, sex with animals was widely condemned as a sin and a crime. The Catholic Church, in particular, viewed bestiality as a violation of God's laws and condemned it as a form of idolatry. As a result, people who engaged in sex with animals were often persecuted and punished.

Despite these prohibitions, sex with animals continued to occur in secret, often with the risk of prosecution and social stigma. In the 19th century, however, the rise of scientific research and the increasing awareness of animal behavior began to challenge traditional views on sex with animals. Scientists began to study the sexual behavior of animals and discovered that many of them exhibited similar behaviors to humans, such as mate selection, courtship, and sexual arousal.

This research led to a shift in attitudes towards sex with animals, with some scientists arguing that it was not necessarily harmful or immoral. In the 20th century, the legalization of bestiality in some countries, such as Sweden and the Netherlands, further fueled the debate over the ethics of sex with animals. While some argue that it is a natural and consensual practice, others believe that it is a form of abuse and exploitation.

Bourke's book also explores the psychological and sexual aspects of sex with animals. She notes that while some people may engage in sex with animals for purely recreational purposes, others may do so as a form of therapy or to address sexual issues. Bourke also discusses the potential risks associated with sex with animals, such as the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and the emotional harm that can be caused to both humans and animals.

In conclusion, Bourke's book provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the modern history of sex between humans and animals. She challenges traditional views on this topic and offers an ethical framework for animal loving. While sex with animals remains highly controversial, Bourke's work provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of these relationships.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789143102