Passions Between Women

Exploring lesbian desires and identities from the Restoration to the early 19th century, this book reveals the complexities surrounding women who loved women during this era. It highlights how these figures were often misunderstood, facing labels ranging from 'hermaphrodite' to 'female husband.' By analyzing new medical, legal, and erotic sources alongside classic literature, Emma Donoghue presents a diverse array of lesbian and bisexual identities, featuring characters like female pirates and queens, set against a backdrop of unique societal contexts.