Title
A Very Queer Family Indeed: Sex, Religion, and the Bensons in Victorian Britain,Used
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We can begin with a kiss, though this will not turn out to be a love story, at least not a love story of anything like the usual kind.So begins A Very Queer Family Indeed, which introduces us to the extraordinary Benson family. Edward White Benson became Archbishop of Canterbury at the height of Queen Victorias reign, while his wife, Mary, was renowned for her wit and charmthe prime minister once wondered whether she was the cleverest woman in England or in Europe. The couples six precocious children included E. F. Benson, celebrated creator of the Mapp and Lucia novels, and Margaret Benson, the first published female Egyptologist.What interests Simon Goldhill most, however, is what went on behind the scenes, which was even more unusual than anyone could imagine. Inveterate writers, the Benson family spun out novels, essays, and thousands of letters that open stunning new perspectivesincluding what it might mean for an adult to kiss and propose marriage to a twelveyearold girl, how religion in a family could support or destroy relationships, or how the death of a child could be celebrated. No other family has left such detailed records about their most intimate moments, and in these remarkable accounts, we see how family life and a familys understanding of itself took shape during a time when psychoanalysis, scientific and historical challenges to religion, and new ways of thinking about society were developing. This is the story of the Bensons, but it is also more than thatit is the story of how society transitioned from the high Victorian period into modernity.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'A Very Queer Family Indeed'? A: The book explores the extraordinary Benson family, focusing on their unique dynamics, relationships, and how they navigated societal changes during the Victorian era.
- Q: Who is the author of 'A Very Queer Family Indeed'? A: The author of the book is Simon Goldhill.
- Q: What are some notable features of the Benson family? A: The Benson family included Edward White Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury, and his children, such as E. F. Benson, a well-known author, and Margaret Benson, the first published female Egyptologist.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has a total of 344 pages.
- Q: What type of binding is used for this book? A: The book is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: When was 'A Very Queer Family Indeed' published? A: The book was published on October 3, 2016.
- Q: Is 'A Very Queer Family Indeed' an illustrated edition? A: Yes, this edition of the book is illustrated.
- Q: What insights does the book provide about the Victorian era? A: The book offers insights into how family life and societal understanding evolved during a time of significant change, including psychoanalysis and challenges to traditional religious beliefs.
- Q: Can this book be beneficial for understanding queer history? A: Yes, the book provides perspectives on queer relationships and family dynamics within the context of Victorian Britain.
- Q: What audience is 'A Very Queer Family Indeed' suitable for? A: The book is suitable for readers interested in history, queer studies, and Victorian literature.