Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America

Davis (history, Univ. of Delaware; Public Confessions) provides a comprehensive examination of the history of sex in the United States, covering how sexual practices, identities, and norms have evolved over four centuries. Davis traces the roots of sexual debates in the United States, revealing how discussions about sexuality are tied to a longer tradition of moral and political discourse. Drawing from legal documents, historical records, and even romance novels, she uncovers lesser-known stories of notable figures who shaped the sexual history of the nation. Davis contends that the modern sexual identity is a relatively recent development, highlighting how Americans moved from seeing sexual behaviors as personal choices to understanding sexuality as an internal part of identity. She argues that this shift has been central to the ongoing legal and political struggles surrounding sex and sexual rights in the United States. Stephanie Dillard narrates, engagingly guiding listeners through the intricate and often complex history of U.S. sexual politics. She makes the content feel timely, and her consistent pacing allows listeners to absorb the impact of the historical moments Davis describes.