The Poisoned Embrace

Hardcover by Lawrence. A brief history of sexual pessimism. 1st American Edition. 192 pages. Published in 1993. Detailed description of the book on photos 2-4. In excellent condition. Subject: General History, Social Issues. Isbn: 0-679-42723-6. The Poisoned Embrace is a provocative investigation into the history of sexual pessimism as it has evolved in Western theology throughout the ages. Since the days of the early fathers, sex and death have formed a theological equation known as its consequent elevation, of the virginal and the chaste, springs not from Christianity, but from Gnosticism. Osborne examines the art, mythologies, and traditions and distinguishes thematic archetypes : the virgin, the witch,the leper, the Noble Savage, the jew, the oriental, the androgye, and Don Juan.