European Weathering History. Renaissance Era (Color Illustration Treasure Edition)

Author: Edward Forster
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-02-01
Features: Edward Forster, the author of A History of European Morals, was a German cultural historian who was particularly regarded as an expert in the history of cartoons at the time. Although he wrote this book, knowing full well that it was "not suitable for elementary school students," as it contained topics such as nudity, cosmetics, adultery, lust, co-bathing between men and women, festive revelry, premarital sex, courtly debauchery, the breaking of vows by clergy, and the methods of pimps, he found it acceptable when he thought that "serious academic works do not need to possess this quality." Forster believed: "The moral behavior, moral concepts, and the various norms that regulate sexual life of each era vividly reflect the spirit of that era. The essence of each historical period, each nation, and each class is truly reflected in it. Sex life, with its thousands of radii, reveals the important and fundamental laws of life." In reality, he wanted to use the history of morals to reflect the cultural history of each era—at least the aspects of cultural history that people are usually reluctant to discuss. Forster also took upon himself the task of "discovering the underlying connections and determining the factors that shape and change morals," believing that this should be the starting point for a rigorous history of morals. "Such a history of morals would undoubtedly surpass a mere collection of curiosities in folk customs."