Visions of Sodom

Religion, Homoerotic Desire, and the End of the World in England, c. 1550-1850

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Gay Studies, History, British
Cover of the book Visions of Sodom by H. G. Cocks, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: H. G. Cocks ISBN: 9780226438832
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: March 29, 2017
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: H. G. Cocks
ISBN: 9780226438832
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: March 29, 2017
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

The book of Genesis records the fiery fate of Sodom and Gomorrah—a storm of fire and brimstone was sent from heaven and, for the wickedness of the people, God destroyed the cities “and all the plains, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.” According to many Protestant theologians and commentators, one of the Sodomites’ many crimes was homoerotic excess.

In Visions of Sodom, H. G. Cocks examines the many different ways in which the story of Sodom’s destruction provided a template for understanding homoerotic desire and behaviour in Britain between the Reformation and the nineteenth century. Sodom was not only a marker of sexual sins, but also the epitome of false—usually Catholic—religion, an exemplar of the iniquitous city, a foreshadowing of the world’s fiery end, an epitome of divine and earthly punishment, and an actual place that could be searched for and discovered. Visions of Sodom investigates each of these ways of reading Sodom’s annihilation in the three hundred years after the Reformation. The centrality of scripture to Protestant faith meant that Sodom’s demise provided a powerful origin myth of homoerotic desire and sexual excess, one that persisted across centuries, and retains an apocalyptic echo in the religious fundamentalism of our own time.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The book of Genesis records the fiery fate of Sodom and Gomorrah—a storm of fire and brimstone was sent from heaven and, for the wickedness of the people, God destroyed the cities “and all the plains, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.” According to many Protestant theologians and commentators, one of the Sodomites’ many crimes was homoerotic excess.

In Visions of Sodom, H. G. Cocks examines the many different ways in which the story of Sodom’s destruction provided a template for understanding homoerotic desire and behaviour in Britain between the Reformation and the nineteenth century. Sodom was not only a marker of sexual sins, but also the epitome of false—usually Catholic—religion, an exemplar of the iniquitous city, a foreshadowing of the world’s fiery end, an epitome of divine and earthly punishment, and an actual place that could be searched for and discovered. Visions of Sodom investigates each of these ways of reading Sodom’s annihilation in the three hundred years after the Reformation. The centrality of scripture to Protestant faith meant that Sodom’s demise provided a powerful origin myth of homoerotic desire and sexual excess, one that persisted across centuries, and retains an apocalyptic echo in the religious fundamentalism of our own time.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Legacies of Losing in American Politics by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book General Relativity from A to B by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Why We Need Ordinary Language Philosophy by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book The Raj Quartet, Volume 2 by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Curriculum as Conversation by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Irrevocable by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Freak Show by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Laughter at the Foot of the Cross by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Individualism and Economic Order by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Ordinary Meaning by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Organizations, Civil Society, and the Roots of Development by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Young Men and Fire by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Artistic License by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book The Legendary Detective by H. G. Cocks
Cover of the book Flawed System/Flawed Self by H. G. Cocks
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy