American Manhood

Transformations in Masculinity from the Revolution to the Modern Era

Author: E. Anthony Rotundo
ISBN: 9780465001699

The first history of American manhood this book sweeps away the groundless assumptions and myths that inform the current fascination with men's lives. Who is a "real man"? What is "naturally" male? How does a "manly" man act? Opposing the views of men's movement leaders and bestselling authors, who maintain that manliness is eternal and unchanging, E. Anthony Rotundo stresses that our concept of manhood is man-made; and like any human invention, it has a history. Rotundo traces the drastic shifts in the meaning of masculinity that have occurred over the past two centuries, and presents a radically different portrait of manhood in earlier times. Two hundred years ago, for example, men were considered more sexually restrained than women. The word "competitive" did not exist then, and the word "effeminate," until a century ago, referred to a fondness for luxury. Also in the nineteenth century, men often wrote each other love letters - even such famous Americans as Alexander Hamilton and D

Publisher: Basic Books
Publish Date: 1994-04-22

Subjects: Social Science / Women's Studies

This book is available in the following Community Centers: Women's Center (Location: Men/Masculinities)