Review by Gothiccan for Magia Sexualis: Sex, Magic, and Liberation in Modern Western Esotericism Rating:
In many respects I would have to consider this one of the better studies of the topic. Hugh Urban does a fine job in giving us an overview of the concepts and persons involved throughout the history of sex magick, and demonstrates clearly the timeless link between religion, social politics, and sex. Most certainly a worthy addition to the bookshelf for any with even a passing interest in the subject.
My only complaints would be the heavy handed manner in which the book is used to vindicate exclusively left wing radical politics, and the relative lack of objectivity in leveling a fair critique of liberal impacts and failures. It seems obvious that the portraits painted are begging for such criticism, but instead we are treated to endorsement of some fairly questionable views.
But perhaps I protest too much. If the reader bears in mind that as an academic Professor Urban is predisposed to conclude the fashionably obvious (read: politically correct) rather than the critically sound, then the whole of this read is less frustrating and entirely worthwhile.
For the historical expose I give 4.5 stars. For the shoddy conclusions, I give 1 star. Overall, because of its fearless treatment of such an obscure topic, I give the book 3.5 stars.
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(out of 1 reviews)
Review by Gothiccan for Magia Sexualis: Sex, Magic, and Liberation in Modern Western Esotericism
Rating:
In many respects I would have to consider this one of the better studies of the topic. Hugh Urban does a fine job in giving us an overview of the concepts and persons involved throughout the history of sex magick, and demonstrates clearly the timeless link between religion, social politics, and sex. Most certainly a worthy addition to the bookshelf for any with even a passing interest in the subject.
My only complaints would be the heavy handed manner in which the book is used to vindicate exclusively left wing radical politics, and the relative lack of objectivity in leveling a fair critique of liberal impacts and failures. It seems obvious that the portraits painted are begging for such criticism, but instead we are treated to endorsement of some fairly questionable views.
But perhaps I protest too much. If the reader bears in mind that as an academic Professor Urban is predisposed to conclude the fashionably obvious (read: politically correct) rather than the critically sound, then the whole of this read is less frustrating and entirely worthwhile.
For the historical expose I give 4.5 stars. For the shoddy conclusions, I give 1 star. Overall, because of its fearless treatment of such an obscure topic, I give the book 3.5 stars.