Michel Foucault's The History of Sexuality is one of the most influential philosophical works of the twentieth century and has been instrumental in shaping the study of Gender, Feminist Theory and Queer Theory. But Foucault's writing can be a difficult book to grasp as Foucault assumes a familiarity with the intellectually dominant theories of his time which renders many passages obscure for newcomers to his work.

The Routledge Guidebook to Foucault's The History of Sexuality offers a clear and comprehensive guide to this groundbreaking work, examining:

• The historical context in which Foucault wrote
• A critical discussion of the text, which examines the relationship between The History of Sexuality, The Use of Pleasure and The Care of The Self
• The reception and ongoing influence of The History of Sexuality

Offering a close reading of the text, this is essential reading for anyone studying this enormously influential work.

About the Author
Chloe Taylor is Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Philosophy at the University of Alberta, Canada. She has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Toronto and was a Tomlinson postdoctoral fellow in Philosophy at McGill University.

Reviews

Taylor's well-written guide to Foucault's History of Sexuality promises to become a welcome companion for students delving into Foucault's influential text, as it provides historical context and clarifies points of reference that may require some explanation and background for the new reader of Foucault.
Claudia Schippert, University of Central Florida, USA

In this invaluable guide to Foucault's History of Sexuality Volume 1, Taylor offers a lucid explication of one of the most consistently misread books of our time. Without sacrificing nuance or depth, Taylor frames Foucault's History of Sexuality within the history of eugenics. This text will be especially illuminating for students who have looked to Foucault for a theory of sexual liberation. The chapters on Foucault's uptake by feminists and queer theorists are a tour de force! Highly recommended for beginners and experts alike.
Lynne Huffer, Emory University, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9780415717847
Author Chloe Taylor
Format Paperback
Page Count 262
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 300g