Title: Impotence: A Cultural History Author: Angus McLaren Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publish Date: 2007 Pages: 332 Genres:: History, Non-Fiction, Sexual Health/Men, Sociology Reviewer: Chris R. Morgan

Rating:

Some say (or at least I say) that it takes a real man to write an exhaustively detailed, extensively researched, minutely printed (as in type) history of the curse of unwanton flaccidity.  Angus McLaren has provided more information than one could ever ask for, even if one's self didn't particularly ask for anything. McLarne nonetheless lends his expertise to a subject he claims is seldom probed by the learned: masculinity. McLaren uses impotence, one of the leading conditions that cripple manliness in devastating proportions, to tell the narrative of the journey of masculinity throughout human history. As we in modern society probably know by now, a hard-on is an all-important element in physical intimacy and, God-willing (according to some religions anyway), a steady flow of population. 

McLaren tackles the idea of manhood with an extensive historical lesson, starting with the classical period when manhood was all but assured with simple penetration, regardless of gender. Any failure to accomplish such a task was apparently hilarious to these people. He moves on through to the dismal early Christian period where sex met at the crossroads of the shame of pleasure and the duty of procreation. Throughout the book, the perception of male sexual dysfunction shifts between how funny it is that someone can't get it up and how shameful or distasteful it is until it essentially breaches into mainstream marriage guides, therapeutic studies and eventually pharmaceuticals. 

One must find it at least fascinating to tract human progress through sexual ailment cures. We've gone from restoring potency with roots and herbs to wonderpills that "get you back in the game" as Coach Mike Ditka so eloquently put it. McLaren's writing is pure historical academia. Despite the straightness of the prose, McLaren spares no detail in emulating his points and flaunting his vast knowledge. Much credit should go to his ability to research. Pages 267-318 in the back are comprised of the footnotes for all of his sources, which vary from medieval texts to classic dirty literature of De Sade and John Cleland to academic studies. This variety of sources lends great credibility to McLaren as a scholar who can balance a wealth of material in order to get an accurate narrative.

Impotence is still a sensitive subject for many men despite the more open discussion of its causes and potential cures. And despite the changes in how impotence is dealt with, it seems there will always be sexual dysfunction. Impotence will spark interest in anyone interested in an examination of past cultures and their approach to sexuality, particularly if it's a thorough one.